The Villa Capri Cruisers Car Club Inc. presented a $1,500 check to support the organization’s annual scholarship for Johnson College Automotive Technology students with demonstrated financial need. This marks the 15th year the scholarship has been awarded to Johnson College students. Funds are raised through donations, volunteer work, sponsorships, and the sale of an annual calendar.

Johnson College’s two-year associate degree program in Automotive Technology prepares students for entry-level positions in the automobile and diesel industries. Graduates may work in automotive, truck, farm, and earthmoving equipment dealerships; truck, power generation, and construction companies; automotive service centers; engine repair and machine shops; automotive equipment distributors; independent service garages; automotive parts manufacturers; sales roles; and auto insurance companies.

During Johnson College’s Truck and Cruiser Palooza event in mid-September, the Villa Capri Cruisers Car Club Inc. presented a $1,500 check to support its annual scholarship for Johnson College Automotive Technology students. Pictured from left: Dave Thomas, Villa Capri secretary; Kathy Eggleston, Villa Capri member; Luke Casterline, Villa Capri treasurer; Sal Pizzo, Villa Capri vice president; John Eggleston, Villa Capri member; Doug Cook, senior director of college advancement, Johnson College; Joe Caputo, Villa Capri board member; Dr. Kellyn Williams, associate vice president of special programs, Johnson College; and Joe Carra, Villa Capri president.

Johnson College is now accepting registrations for its Women at the Workbench Electrical Workshop, a hands-on, one-day experience designed to introduce participants to the basics of electricity and electrical repair. The workshop will take place Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the college’s Scranton campus.

The cost is $65. Registration is available at johnson.edu/workshops. For more information, contact the college’s WAVE team at wave@johnson.edu or 570-702-8979.

Participants will learn essential electrical tasks, from changing outlets to understanding how switches work. No prior experience is necessary, making it ideal for beginners who are curious about tackling home projects or simply want to become more confident with tools and repairs.

This workshop offers more than just technical instruction. It’s an opportunity to step up to the workbench and take control of your learning. Johnson College’s WAVE (Workforce Advancement & Value-Added Education) team designed it so that participants walk away empowered and capable, ready to apply what they’ve learned in meaningful, everyday ways.

This workshop is open to everyone interested in developing practical electrical skills in a supportive and inclusive environment.

Johnson College has launched its Customized Training Solutions program, offering flexible, targeted workforce development to meet the evolving needs of employers across northeastern Pennsylvania. Delivered through the college’s WAVE team (Workforce Advancement & Value-Added Education), the initiative is designed to help businesses train smarter and grow stronger.

“Customized Training Solutions isn’t just about delivering education. It’s about building partnerships that solve real business challenges,” said Ashley Bechaver, director of WAVE. “From navigating compliance updates to reducing turnover or onboarding faster, we work with employers to create programs that lead to real results.”

Grounded in Johnson College’s industry-aligned technical programs, the training is led by instructors with hands-on experience in fields such as HVAC, electrical construction technology, welding, advanced manufacturing, automotive and diesel truck technology, biomedical equipment technology, computer information technology, construction technology, and robotics and industrial automation. Programs are fully adaptable to meet each organization’s specific goals.

Training is designed to align closely with each company’s tools, systems, and workflows, using equipment and scenarios that reflect real-world conditions to ensure practical, relevant learning with minimal disruption. Delivered on-site, online, or at Johnson College’s Scranton or Hazleton campuses, the training helps businesses boost productivity, improve quality, and retain employees. By focusing on job-specific expertise, companies can reduce downtime, minimize errors, and stay ahead of industry trends, while addressing challenges such as rapid growth, evolving job demands, and the need to build new workforce capabilities with measurable, long-term results.

Businesses interested in creating a tailored training plan can contact the WAVE team at 570-702-8979 or email wave@johnson.edu. Inquiries should include the contact’s name, business name, title and preferred method of contact. To learn more about the program, visit johnson.edu/wave/trainingsolutions.

Johnson College has reached another milestone, marking its seventh consecutive year of record enrollment. As of August 25, the first day of the 2025-26 academic year, 717 students are enrolled across both the Scranton and Hazleton campuses. This is a 6% increase over last year. This year’s incoming class includes more than 340 first-year students and nearly 90 high school students enrolled in the College’s Industry Fast Track early college program.

“Our continued growth reflects the value students and families place on hands-on, technical education that leads directly to in-demand careers,” said Bill Burke, vice president of enrollment and student affairs. “They’re choosing Johnson College because they know we offer the training and experience employers are looking for.”

The College’s Hazleton campus saw a 62% enrollment increase over last year. It welcomed its first HVAC class and the largest incoming classes to date in Electrical Construction Technology and Welding Technology.

“We’re building strong momentum in Hazleton,” Burke added. “The demand for technical programs continues to grow, and students are responding to the opportunities available right in their communities.”

Programs showing the highest year-over-year growth include Carpentry Technology (100%), Radiologic Technology (50%), and HVAC (12%). Other core programs, such as Electrical Construction Technology, also saw continued strong momentum.  

“These enrollment increases align with what we’re hearing from industry. Employers need skilled technicians and technologists, and our students are stepping in to fill those roles,” said Dr. Katie Pittelli, president and CEO. “We’re excited to welcome this year’s class and to continue expanding access to career-focused education across northeastern Pennsylvania.”

Johnson College is now accepting enrollments for its Medical Assistant course at its Scranton campus. The course will run Mondays through Thursdays from 5 to 9 p.m. beginning Sept. 2, 2025. Students can earn a certificate in just 18 weeks.

The course prepares students to assist physicians by performing clinical functions in a medical office. These functions include preparing patients for examination and treatment, performing routine laboratory procedures, understanding pharmacology, and taking and documenting vital signs. Students will also learn the fundamentals of phlebotomy and venipuncture, anatomy and physiology, and medical terminology commonly used in the field.

Graduates will gain the knowledge and skills needed to perform the duties required of a medical assistant. Upon completion, students will have the option to take the industry-recognized Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).

The class fee is $6,000 and is approved by PA CareerLink for those eligible for funding through their local CareerLink office. Students must have a high school diploma or GED, or be on track to receive a high school diploma within 12 months of the course’s completion.

To learn more or to enroll in the Medical Assistant course, visit johnson.edu/medicalassistant or contact the College’s WAVE department at wave@johnson.edu or 570-702-8979.

WAVE, which stands for Workforce Advancement & Value-Added Education, is Johnson College’s hub for continuing education and workforce development. WAVE empowers learners with the skills and knowledge needed to adapt to an ever-changing workforce and achieve long-term career success.

Johnson College will host a free “Test-Taking 101” workshop on Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025, from 12 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on the Scranton campus. Preregistration is required.

Designed for students aged 15 and older, this workshop is focused on developing essential test-taking skills and improving study habits. Most students underperform on exams due to poor time management and strategy, not a lack of knowledge. This session provides tools and techniques to help learners prepare more effectively and perform more confidently.

Participants will learn:

• How written exams are structured and designed.
• A systematic method to study and retain information.
• Proven strategies to eliminate incorrect answers and improve accuracy.

Space is limited to 65 students.

PA EMS providers will receive 3.5 hours of con ed credit (Other category) for attending.

To register or learn more, visit johnson.edu/wave. For questions or assistance, contact Johnson College’s WAVE team at 570-702-8979 or email wave@johnson.edu.

WAVE, which stands for Workforce Advancement & Value-Added Education, is Johnson College’s hub for continuing education and workforce development. WAVE empowers learners with the skills and knowledge needed to adapt to an ever-changing workforce and achieve long-term career success.

Johnson College will host two Financial Aid Information Sessions to assist current and prospective students in understanding and applying for financial aid, including the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), FSA ID setup, alternative loans, and scholarship opportunities.

Attendees will have the opportunity to access on-site computers to begin or complete their financial aid applications with guidance from Johnson College staff.

The first session will take place on Thursday, July 31, 2025, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the college’s Hazleton location, inside the CAN DO Training Center, 370 Maplewood Drive, Hazle Township.

The second session is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025, from 4 to 6 p.m. in Ideal Saldi Hall on the Scranton campus located at 3427 North Main Ave.

Participants are strongly encouraged to create their FSA ID in advance of the event, as processing can take three to five business days.

For more information, contact the Financial Aid team at 570-702-8855 or financialaid@johnson.edu.

About Johnson College

Johnson College provides real-world, hands-on learning in a supportive environment and prepares graduates to enter into or advance in their in-demand careers. Johnson College was founded in 1912 and is the region’s only technical college, offering 15 associate degrees, five academic certificates, and over 30 continuing education programs. A low student-to-instructor ratio supports an emphasis on hands-on learning. Located in Scranton on a 44-acre campus with a satellite campus serving the greater Hazleton area, the College is an accredited, private, non-profit, co-educational institution with a strong tradition of working with regional businesses and industries to ensure a skilled and qualified workforce. For additional information on Johnson College, please call 1-800-2-WE-WORK, email enroll@johnson.edu, or visit Johnson.edu.

Johnson College is now accepting enrollments for its non-credit AutoCAD 1 and AutoCAD 2 courses, set to be held at the College’s Scranton campus.

AutoCAD 1 will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on July 21–23, 2025. AutoCAD 2 will follow the same daily schedule and take place July 28–30, 2025. Each course is $500.

These introductory courses in computer-aided drafting are designed for students seeking foundational skills in the field. Participants will learn basic CAD commands used to create professional working drawings, including floor plans, elevations, sections, and construction details.

Course topics include creating and editing 2D objects, text usage and editing, hatching and filled regions, dimensioning, AutoCAD layer management, proper use of model space and paper space, and plotting techniques.

To register or learn more, visit johnson.edu/autocad. For questions or assistance, contact Johnson College’s WAVE team at 570-702-8979 or email wave@johnson.edu.

WAVE, which stands for Workforce Advancement & Value-Added Education, is Johnson College’s hub for continuing education and workforce development. WAVE empowers learners with the skills and knowledge needed to adapt to an ever-changing workforce and achieve long-term career success.

Johnson College is inviting local individuals, businesses, emergency services, and organizations to participate in its upcoming Truck & Cruiser Palooza, a family-friendly, hands-on vehicle experience and fundraiser taking place Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., rain or shine, at the Johnson College Scranton campus, located at 3427 North Main Ave.

The college is seeking a wide variety of vehicles to display and engage with children and families. Interested participants are encouraged to bring vehicles in the following categories:

• Construction vehicles: Dump trucks, excavators, backhoes, cranes, cement mixers, and other heavy machinery

• Emergency services vehicles: Fire trucks (including pump and ladder trucks), ambulances, police cruisers

• Utility and service vehicles: Garbage trucks, recycling trucks, snow plows, road paving equipment, bucket trucks, oil tankers, tow trucks

• Transportation vehicles: Semi-trucks, big rigs, moving vans, charter buses, school buses

• Military vehicles: Army transport trucks, armored vehicles

• Specialty vehicles: Monster trucks, tractors, and other unique or custom rides

To register a vehicle or for more information, contact Sam Lehman at slehman@johnson.edu or 570-702-8341.

About the Event

Truck & Cruiser Palooza is an interactive, family-friendly event where kids can climb aboard and explore a wide range of vehicles while meeting the professionals who operate them. Suggested donation for attendees is $5 to $10 per family, with all proceeds benefiting Johnson College’s SkillsUSA Club.

SkillsUSA is a national organization that helps students become world-class workers, leaders, and responsible citizens. Funds raised will support Johnson College students as they compete in state, national, and international SkillsUSA competitions and attend leadership training events.