Johnson College’s Workforce Advancement & Value-Added Education (WAVE) department is offering a series of engaging, hands-on and affordable community workshops this fall on its Scranton campus, located at 3427 N. Main Avenue. These interactive sessions are designed for learners of all ages and skill levels who want to explore new hobbies, relax, and have fun while learning something new.

Pumpkin Carving Class – Tuesday, Oct. 21 | 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Get into the Halloween spirit with a hands-on pumpkin carving class. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned carver, this festive workshop is perfect for all. Participants will receive step-by-step guidance; tools and pumpkins will be provided. The evening will include a brief talk on the history of the Jack-o’-Lantern. The class will take place in the cafeteria of the Moffat Student Center. Cost is $30 per person. Ages 10 and up are welcome. Children ages 10 to 17 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Space is limited.

Tai Chi Workshop – Saturdays, Nov. 1, 8, 15 & 22 | 2–3 p.m.
Join a four-week Tai Chi workshop led by Master Instructor Wayne Wolfe, a teacher of traditional Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan with over 30 years of experience. Participants will learn a nine-minute motion group designed to circulate energy throughout the body in a relaxed and mindful way. The workshop, held on the Scranton campus, is suitable for all fitness levels and offers benefits for both body and mind. The cost for the full session is $50.

Succulent 101 – Thursday, Nov. 13 | 5:30–7 p.m.
Perfect for beginners and plant lovers alike, the Succulent 101 class offers a casual, hands-on introduction to succulent care. Participants will learn how to help their plants thrive and avoid common mistakes. Each attendee will pot their own succulent to take home. This beginner-friendly class will be held on the Scranton campus and costs $25 per person.

To learn more or register for any of these workshops, visit johnson.edu/workshops. For questions, contact the WAVE Team at wave@johnson.edu or 570-702-8979.

Johnson College is now accepting registrations for its Women at the Workbench: Carpentry Workshop, a hands-on, one-day experience designed to introduce participants to the fundamentals of woodworking in a welcoming and supportive environment. The workshop will take place Saturday, Oct. 25, 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 carpentry skills, including how to measure, cut and assemble materials, while working on their own individual projects. The workshop is ideal for beginners or anyone looking to build their confidence with tools and hands-on work.

This workshop, through Johnson College WAVE’s (Workforce Advancement & Value-Added Education) department, offers more than just technical instruction. It’s an opportunity to step up to the workbench, gain practical experience, and walk away with something you built yourself, along with the confidence to keep building.

The workshop is open to participants 18 years and older. All are welcome.

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 Fall Flower Design Workshop, a cozy, hands-on class where participants will create their own floral arrangement using seasonal blooms, rich colors, and natural textures. The workshop will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the college’s Scranton campus.

The cost is $40. Registration is available at johnson.edu/workshops. For more information, contact the college’s WAVE team at wave@johnson.edu or 570-702-8979.

This workshop is perfect for all skill levels and includes all materials, step-by-step instruction, and a completed arrangement to take home and enjoy. Participants will explore the beauty of autumn through floral design, embracing creativity in a welcoming environment.

The workshop is open to individuals ages 10 and up, accompanied by a guardian. No prior experience is necessary, making it ideal for anyone interested in learning the art of flower arranging in a relaxed, seasonal setting.

The Fall Flower Design Workshop is part of Johnson College’s WAVE (Workforce Advancement & Value-Added Education) workshop series, designed to offer accessible, hands-on learning experiences that inspire confidence, creativity and personal growth.

Johnson College Hazleton will hold its Fall Open House on Thursday, October 9, 2025, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the CAN DO Training Center located inside the Humboldt Industrial Park at 370 Maplewood Drive in Hazle Township. To register for the Open House, visit Johnson.edu/hazletonopenhouse or contact Johnson College’s Enrollment Department at 570-702-8856 or enroll@johnson.edu.

The event will include discussions about the admissions process, information about financial aid for those who qualify, and student services such as student life, student support, and career services. Plus, same-day acceptance will be available for many programs if students bring their high school or college transcripts. Tours of each technical area will be conducted, and program directors and instructors will be available to review the specifics of their programs.

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’s Scranton campus will host its first-ever Truck & Cruiser Palooza on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on its Scranton campus, rain or shine.

This unique, family-friendly event invites the public to get up close and hands-on with a wide range of vehicles, including emergency vehicles, construction equipment, specialty vehicles, utility trucks, and school buses. Kids will have the chance to climb aboard, explore, and even honk the horns.

Adding to the excitement, the event will also feature a Car Cruise in partnership with The Villa Capri Car Cruisers Car Club, showcasing classic and custom vehicles for attendees to admire.

A suggested donation of $5 to $10 per family will be accepted at the gate. All proceeds will benefit Johnson College’s SkillsUSA Club, which helps students participate in state, national, and international competitions and leadership training.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to meet the operators behind the vehicles—helping to spark interest in technical careers and skilled trades through hands-on, real-world interaction.

Have a unique vehicle to show off? Johnson College is still accepting participants. If you own or operate a distinctive, heavy-duty, or service vehicle, you’re invited to be part of this one-of-a-kind event.

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

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.