Now Enrolling Students in Forklift Operator Training Course

Johnson College’s Continuing Education program is offering a Forklift Operator Training Course on Sunday, March 19, 2023, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Diesel Truck Technology Center on the College’s campus in Scranton. The course costs $200, but if you are a current Johnson College student or alum, the cost is only $100. Space is limited! Visit johnson.edu/continuingeducation or contact our Continuing Education team at 570-702-8979 or continuinged@johnson.edu to learn more and enroll.

The forklift operator training is designed to familiarize students with OSHA Powered Industrial Truck Operator Training Requirements (29CFR Standard 1910.178 and ASME B56.1), provide current training requirements under the newly adopted standards, and assist participants in becoming an authorized operator of forklifts through theory and tactile testing. Nine hours of instruction, including pre-operational inspection, picking up, traveling, and placing loads, parking procedures, refueling, and practical operation.

College Partners with Ancora Training to Launch CDL Program

In response to the regional and national demand for CDL truck drivers, Johnson College has partnered with Ancora Training, a division of Ancora, to offer a Class A CDL Driver Training course. The College is currently enrolling students for the course, which will begin on March 20, 2023, at the College’s new satellite campus, Johnson College at the CAN DO Training Center, in Hazle Township.

The course, which will be managed by Ancora, will feature a four-to-one student-teacher ratio, ensuring high-quality training with an industry professional. Students will be trained to inspect and operate tractor-trailers and to assume driver responsibilities on the road and at pickup/delivery points. Emphasis will be placed on vehicle inspections, defensive driving, range maneuvers, motor carrier safety regulations (DOT 380 -397 and a certificate for entry-level drivers), trip planning, cargo handling, size/weight laws, general maintenance procedures, hours of service, and accident prevention. Participants in this 160-hour program can prepare to obtain their CDL in as little as four weeks.

“Johnson College has been committed to its mission of providing in-demand career training for over 100 years,” said Bill Burke, Vice President of Enrollment and Student Affairs at Johnson College. “Knowing that there is a shortage of truck drivers, we felt the addition of this program and partnership with Ancora could have an immediate impact on the Hazleton area.”

“We are excited to have the opportunity to partner with Johnson College,” said Natalie Williams, Vice President of Client Operations. “The Scranton area currently has hundreds of jobs available for entry-level CDL drivers, and it is a privilege to help Johnson College students begin a new career in an in-demand field.”

The course complies with the new Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) rules established by the Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration (FMCSA), which went into effect in February 2022.

After completing the CDL Training course, students earn a CDL Training: Class A Tractor Trailer Certificate from Johnson College. Students who pass the CDL written and driving test at the DMV will be qualified for one of the most in-demand careers in the nation.      

To learn more or to enroll in the Class A CDL Driver Training course, visit johnson.edu/hazleton-cdl or contact the College’s Continuing Education department at continuinged@johnson.edu.

About Ancora

Ancora is a leading workforce solutions provider addressing America’s labor gaps through innovative and technology-driven educational programs. Ancora operates in three divisions: Ancora High School, Ancora Education, and Ancora Training. Ancora High School, accredited by Cognia™, provides adult learners the opportunity to complete a high school diploma in a highly flexible, self-paced, completely online format. Ancora Education offers technical education training programs specializing in healthcare, IT, business, and skilled trades through six private, post-secondary school brands with 22 campus locations across the nation. Schools include: Arizona Automotive Institute (AAI), Berks Technical Institute (BTI), Edge Tech Academy, McCann School of Business & Technology, Miller-Motte College (MMC) and South Texas Vocational Technical Institute (STVT). Ancora Training offers CDL and other customizable training solutions for corporate, community college, and government agency partners. Workforce solutions are provided by Ancora Training. Learn more at www.ancora.com.

Johnson College Announces Satellite Campus in the Greater Hazleton Area

In an effort to transform education, the economy, and the quality of the workforce throughout the Greater Hazleton region, Johnson College has partnered with Greater Hazleton CAN DO to address the demands of industry in the area. Together, they are spearheading plans to introduce the College’s first-ever satellite campus, Johnson College at the CAN DO Training Center, located in the Humboldt Industrial Park in Hazleton.

During a press conference on February 1st, 2023 at the 30,000-sq.ft. industrial facility, which once housed the McCann School of Business and Technology, executives and board members from Johnson College and CAN DO, Inc announced exciting details about the new campus. Dr. Katie Pittelli, President and CEO of Johnson College, led the presentation and was followed by key members of the partnership including Joseph Lettiere, President and CEO of CAN DO; Charles Burkhardt, Chair of the CAN DO Board of Directors; and Pat Dietz, Chairperson of Johnson College Board of Directors.

“We have heard from area employers and the programs that will be offered here are built to meet their needs,” Dr. Pittelli said. “We look forward to hearing from the Greater Hazleton community in terms of how this building can once again become an asset that we all share. We are here to help meet the needs of our friends and neighbors in this great community.”

The goal of this new campus will be to create unique and affordable academic experiences for students in partnership with industry to prepare them for careers in the Hazleton region and beyond. The College is built on its reputation for providing hands-on learning in a supportive environment and members of its community are thrilled to share this experience in a new area.

CAN DO President & CEO Joseph Lettiere said, “For many years, CAN DO has worked to bring a technical school to Greater Hazleton to assist in improving the area’s access to career-ready job training.  It is our mission to improve the quality of life in Greater Hazleton through the creation and retention of a full range of employment opportunities and I strongly believe that the programs Johnson College plans to offer truly move the needle for our community. I’d like to thank Dr. Katie Pittelli, the Johnson College Board of Directors, as well as the CAN DO Board of Directors for their willingness to take the risk in making this investment with us.” 

Johnson College at the CAN DO Training Center, pending approval by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, will offer an array of certificate and degree programs beginning in late August 2023. These will include academic certificates in Welding Technology, Industrial Technology, and Building & Property Maintenance and an associate degree in Electrical Construction Technology. It will also offer continuing education certificates in areas including Medical Assistant, Computer User Support & Security Specialist, and Class A CDL Driver Training. Students will be able to complete all programs and certificates at the Hazleton campus.

For more information about these programs, visit johnson.edu/Hazleton.

To learn more about the Greater Hazleton CAN DO, visit hazletoncando.com.