Westmoreland Partners with Herkules for New Machinist Apprenticeship Program

March 27, 2019 Ford City, Pa.

Westmoreland County Community College is joining forces with Ford City-based Herkules USA Corp. to implement a machinist apprenticeship program.

Westmoreland will provide classroom-based technical instruction while apprentices receive hands-on training at Herkules.

“We are pleased to now be able to train motivated individuals to learn new skills in the trade of machining,” Herkules President Jakob Scheiffarth said.

The college provides similar training for more than a dozen other machining companies in the region.

"Westmoreland is pleased to offer high-quality technical instruction to Herkules and to many other employers in the region,” said David Pistner, Vice President/Continuing Education, Workforce & Community Development at Westmoreland.

“We view this service as enhancing the economic competitiveness of our employers and contributing to the quality of life for our residents.” 

The state Department of Labor & Industry’s Office of Apprenticeship & Training recently approved the apprenticeship.

“Labor & Industry is working to double the number of registered apprentices in the state by 2025,” Secretary Jerry Oleksiak said.

The department has designated Westmoreland a group, non-joint sponsor of registered apprenticeships.

“In this capacity, employers of all sizes are able to access high-skilled instruction in a multitude of manufacturing competences including machining and industrial maintenance at an affordable price,” Pistner said. “Employers investing in their workforce via an apprenticeship is a commitment where we all benefit." 

Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf agrees.

“Apprenticeships give Pennsylvanians the opportunity to build a rewarding career and earn a good wage,” Wolf said Tuesday. “Registered apprenticeship programs provide students and workers with the hands-on experience needed for growing careers, while strengthening the pipeline of talented workers that businesses need.”