Carpentry & Cabinetmaking Graduate Strikes a Chord at Martin Guitar & Co. Inc.

Today’s job market relies on people with strong trade skills. The career path can vary, but a strong technical background can set young people on unexpected paths. That is the case with Matthew Kaczorowski, ’17. “To be able to enter the construction workforce a step ahead,” is what his goal was in choosing Johnson College’s Carpentry & Cabinetmaking Technology program. Kaczorowski became interested in carpentry in high school and was able to take classes though Monroe Career & Technical Institute. These classes helped him decide on what he wanted his future to look like. He decided to continue his education at Johnson College.

During his time at Johnson College, he enjoyed the hands-on learning and the small class size. “I was able to participate in each project and was able to receive as much attention and guidance as I needed,” Kaczorowski said. The attention he received from his instructors was vital in developing the skills that he uses at his current job at Martin Guitar. “During my interview, I was told that I looked very natural and comfortable using the tools. This is definitely due to the hands-on experience I gained from Johnson College,” Koczorowski said.

Martin Guitar is one of the leading acoustic guitar manufacturers. Headquartered in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, they have been making high-quality products since they opened their doors in 1833. Musical legends such as Elvis Presley, Paul McCartney, and Eric Clapton have all recorded and performed with these acoustic instruments. Martin has influenced the acoustic guitar industry with innovative developments such as X-bracing, the 14-fret guitar, and the “Dreadnought” size guitar. Each instrument is hand-crafted for musicians of all experience levels to enjoy.

As part of the body rim assembly production team, Koczorowski aids in creating the reputable instruments that Martin Guitar is known for. The body of an acoustic guitar is where the sound is produced so his work must be precise. Koczorowski enjoys his work environment, he said, “The environment is very friendly, but focused on the high quality of the product.” Walking through the factory, visitors can see that each of the employees is equally invested in the company’s mission “to be an organization of dedicated co-workers committed to exceptional leadership and innovation in the fretted instrument and string manufacturing industries, while celebrating our heritage and traditions as a family-owned company.” When asked what advice he would give to someone who was thinking about Johnson College, he said “Johnson College will definitely prepare you for the career you are interested in. You’re making a good choice.”

Johnson College in Conjunction with Don’s Machine Shop Brings CNC Machining Training to Luzerne County

Johnson College has formed a new relationship with a West Pittston business, Don’s Machine Shop, to bring CNC machining training to Luzerne County. At an Open House at Don’s Machine Shop on Saturday, September, 21st, the public is invited to tour a newly renovated teaching space which will house the new program. Curriculum will train students to utilize, maintain and program Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines which perform subtractive manufacturing methods to materials such as metal. CNC professionals manufacture precision products and components used in a variety of applications such as automotive, medical, electronics, aerospace, transportation, military, and more. The Open House will provide visitors with the opportunity to speak with instructors and meet current CNC machinists to learn about the occupation and job outlook in our region. 

The job training to be offered in conjunction with Don’s Machine Shop is a unique, one-of-a-kind training, open to anyone who is looking for a new career option, and it is delivered on some of the best machining equipment in the region.  Learning a trade with curriculum input from a functioning machine shop like Don’s Machine will help open up opportunities right away.  The relationship between Johnson College and Don’s Machine Shop is another way the College can immediately connect students to industry.  With the growing need for technicians in our region, this opportunity gets skilled technicians prepared adequately and quickly to the employer.  

The first session of CNC classes at 100 Elm Street in West Pittston will begin on Monday, November 4th.  Space is limited.

More about the 510 Hour CNC class:

  • Training includes both theory and hands-on learning experiences for beginner-level students.
  • The cost of the class is $6,250. Financial assistance may be available for those who qualify. 
  • Successful completion of the 510 hour CNC program allows students to have preferred interview status with Don’s Machine Shop.

More about Don’s Machine Shop: http://www.donsmachine.com/

Sign up for the 510 Hour CNC Session Beginning Monday, November 4th. Space is limited.

Click here to sign up

Questions? Please contact the Johnson College Continuing Education Department at 570-702-8979 or continuinged@johnson.edu.

Educational Opportunity Centers, Inc. to Host FUTURES Conference on Campus

On October 5th, Educational Opportunity Centers, Inc. (EOC) and Johnson College will host FUTURES: A Lackawanna County Career Exploration & Discovery Conference for High School Students. 

The purpose of the event is to provide a comprehensive career exploration and discovery opportunity for high school students.  Participants will learn about career opportunities and challenges, earning potential, educational requirements, desired skills and training, and more.  The event will connect students and career professionals. There will be a Q&A period and networking will be a part of every session. Participants will learn about student financial aid, college career services, college student support services, and more.

The event is completely free with lunch provided. Parents are more than welcome to accompany their student but students can also attend on their own.

Presenting Organizations Include:

Lowe’s
McLane
Johnson College
Jam Works, LLC.
Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials
Scranton Electricians – IBEW Local #81
Lackawanna College
Classic Properties
Wilkes Barre Chamber of Commerce
Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce
Veloce Group
Merrill Lynch
Allied Services
Geisinger

Borton-Lawson
Penn State Wilkes Barre
Penn State Scranton
Abington Heights School District
Scranton School District
ARC of NEPA
United Neighborhood Centers of NEPA
NeighborWorks
Jewish Family Service of NEPA
Coal Creative
Sweda Advertising
Scranton Police Department
University of Scranton
And more….

Students can register at https://eocinc.org/futures-conference-2019

A list of sessions and speakers can be found at https://eocinc.org/futures-conference-2019