Westmoreland Recruiting for Free Micro-Credential Training Programs

November 19, 2018 Youngwood, Pa.

Westmoreland County Community College is offering free hands-on, accelerated training programs for the unemployed, underemployed, and those who have barriers to employment and education starting Monday, November 26.

Westmoreland’s Micro-Credential Training Programs prepare successful participants for entry-level positions in either manufacturing or food service and creates a talent pool to help local employers find qualified employees. 

Individuals interested in the manufacturing field will have the opportunity to gain 80 hours of basic welding experience with the option for American Welding Society certification and/or 40 hours of basic machining after completing a nine-day pre-employment program. Offered at no cost to the student, participants will gain entry-level skills valued in the manufacturing field and can obtain up to eight micro-credentials from Westmoreland, including AC/DC Electrical and Mechanical Drive Systems, Basic Computers, Blueprint Reading and Shop Math, Hydraulic Systems, Intro to LEAN Manufacturing, and Spill Prevention/Hazardous Material Awareness. Additionally, students can earn industry-recognized training from the American Heart Association (Heartsaver CPR/First Aid certification) and OSHA 10-hour safety training.

For those who prefer to begin a career in the culinary field, a 50-hour training program is available to individuals seeking entry-level employment in the food service industry, with an option for ServSafe certification. Hosted at the Youngwood, PA campus over the course of 10 evenings, students in the program will learn basic food preparation, basic knife safety, and will have the opportunity to test for the industry-recognized ServSafe certification.

The final class sessions for both programs begin Monday, November 26 with limited seating availability. Interested individuals are encouraged to contact the program coordinator for enrollment instructions and to reserve a seat. Manufacturing classes are held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Westmoreland’s Advanced Technology Center (the former Sony Plant in Mt. Pleasant), which boasts high-tech hands-on training. Culinary classes are held from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Westmoreland’s Youngwood campus.

The Micro-Credential training program is made possible by a $470,000 grant from U.S. Department of Labor's Workforce Innovation Fund through the Westmoreland-Fayette Workforce Development Board. Partners in this grant include the Westmoreland-Fayette Workforce Development Board and PA CareerLink. Students are recruited through PA CareerLink Westmoreland County in Youngwood, and the cost of the program is covered by the grant for all eligible students. 

For more information or to reserve a seat, contact Adam Margovic, Micro-credential Program coordinator, at 724.925.8478 or margovica@westmoreland.edu