Johnson College and General Dynamics have partnered to create a customized training program for entry-level CNC operator positions.  Candidates completing the program will be given preferred interview status for the entry-level CNC positions at General Dynamics in Eynon. Although program completion does not constitute an offer of employment, as candidates must meet all other pre-employment qualifications, the program was specifically designed to train individuals to work at General Dynamics. The 285-hour program runs for 12 weeks. Daytime or evening courses are available.

The curriculum includes applied mathematics, blueprint reading, safety, CNC terminology, program reading, CNC lathe setup and operations, CNC milling, as well as hoists, magnets, and turrets. Tuition assistance is available for qualified participants.

The next session begins January 7, 2019 at Johnson College. Register here.

Questions? Please call 570-702-8979 or email continuinged@johnson.edu.

Johnson College has joined the rankings of premiere technical education this morning by being ranked #10 on Forbes Top 25 Two-Year Trade Schools. Of 700 schools considered, Johnson College was recognized as one of the most prominent when it comes to “high-earning alumni, stand-out graduation and retention rates, and respectable debt repayment scores,” according to Forbes. The list of schools highlights industry that seeks a skilled workforce, education that is affordable and accessible. The list was based on IPEDS, College Score Card, and Pay Scale data. The methodology of the list is guided by the question, “What should a high school senior be looking for in higher education?” and according to Forbes, it is “a gateway to a great career.”

Katie Pittelli, President  & CEO of Johnson College released the following statement:

“I’m so proud that our college is recognized in this way. It speaks to the quality of the student experience our faculty and staff create for our students and demonstrates the value of a real hands-on education.  Other schools say they offer this but we live it, it is who we are. It also highlights our hard working, highly skilled alumni; they are the heart of the nation’s workforce.”

As one of the most well-known sources for these types of lists, Forbes recognizes that the American workforce has a skills gap and wants to highlight institutions that are contributing to the future of skilled trades. Of the top 25, Johnson College is one of only four private institutions. The closest in the Pennsylvania region ranks #9 and is located in Lancaster, PA. The list ranks based on post-grad success, affordability, completion success, and student experience.

President Pittelli is excited about how this ranking can further Johnson College’s reputation as the best technical school in NEPA, “We are educating the future workforce for high demand, well-paying careers. They attend for two years or less and graduate with less debt and a great job with significant growth potential. They earn valuable credentials that no one can take away from them and acquire a skill set they have for life.”

Johnson College has received a brand new Kenworth Engine Trainer to support the Diesel Truck Technology program’s curriculum. The Paccar MX engine, valued at over $53,000 allows students to learn how to rebuild and maintain the PACCAR MX diesel engine. Fred Pope, of Kenworth of PA, said this equipment is important to the Johnson College program and student preparation because “Kenworth and Peterbilt trucks are now around 50% MX engine powered.”

Johnson College and Kenworth of PA have had an ongoing relationship for the last 12 years. Pope said, “It is important for Kenworth of PA to support the college to build entry level technicians and even provide them an opportunity to grow with the company.” As a long time employer and industry partner, Kenworth of PA currently staffs six Johnson College graduates at its Dunmore location.

The Diesel Truck Technology program prepares students as entry-level technicians with the latest information on diagnosis, repair procedures, preventive maintenance, and necessary safety applications in diesel technology. The course prepares students to take the voluntary mechanic certification test (ASE) in heavy-duty trucks. Graduates work as tune-up, brakes, transmission and refrigeration technicians; diesel truck repair and fleet maintenance technicians; service writing technicians; and sales and service representatives.

Johnson College announces that three new members have been selected to serve on the Board of Directors and new officers have been elected. The new members were installed at the April 2018 meeting of the Board of Directors.  New board members include Richard Manasek, ’75, Frank Kilyanek, ’85, and Nicole Costanzo. Also, Nancy Luciani will return to the Board of Directors this academic year. New officers include Alexander E. Stark, Chair; Atty. Marianne Gilmartin, Vice Chair; and Christopher J. Haran, Treasurer.

Mr. Manasek is a 1975 graduate of the welding technology program at Johnson College. He is the CEO of both Amerifab, Inc. and Warner Bodies.

Mr. Kilyanek is a 1985 graduate of the building construction technology associate degree program at Johnson College. He also holds an associate’s degree in engineering technology – architectural engineering technology from Penn State University. Mr. Kilyanek has served on both Johnson College’s HVAC and Project Management Program Advisory Committees.

Ms. Costanzo is Vice president of PNC Bank in Scranton. She holds an MBA and Bachelor of Science degree in Economics & Finance from the University of Scranton. Ms. Costanzo also serves on the Junior Achievement of NEPA Board.

Ms. Luciani is the owner of Johnny’s Car Wash in Scranton. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from the University of Scranton. In her previous 10 years on the Johnson College board, she has served as part of the Presidential Search Committee and served as Vice Chair of the Board, 2016-17.  She has served on all of the Committees and has been most active in Student Life & Academics, Executive and Finance Committees.

Alexander E. Stark is the new chair of the board. He joined the Johnson College board of directors in 2012. Mr. Stark played an instrumental role in the Presidential Search Committee and was very active as Vice Chair for 2017-18. He was Chair of the Strategic Planning Committee and the Board Committee Restructuring Taskforce – he worked closely with President Pittelli on restructuring the Board so their work could be more efficient.  He was also an active member of the Executive Committee. He is the director of marketing at Kane is able. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Arts from the University of Scranton.

Atty. Marianne Gilmartin is the new vice chair of the board. She joined the Johnson College board of directors in 2014. Atty. Gilmartin has served on the Executive Committee, Governance Committee, Human Resources Committee and Board Committee Restructuring Taskforce.  She was the Chair of the Academic Achievement & Student Engagement Committee in 2017-18.  She has brought her skills as an attorney and as a leader in the community to her work of the board. She is an attorney and shareholder at Stevens & Lee. She holds a Juris Doctorate from Seton Hall University.

Christopher J. Haran is the new treasurer of the board. He joined the Johnson College board of directors in 2012. Mr. Haran has been instrumental in serving on the Governance Committee, most notably his work with board assessment initiatives. He holds a Master of Science degree in Management Science from Stony Brook University. He works professionally as a consultant and adjunct teacher.

As a high school senior at Scranton Preparatory School who loved both computers and cooking, Salvatore Zaydon was torn on what he wanted to do after graduation. However, after seeing a Johnson College Open House banner and deciding to attend the event, he knew he belonged on campus.  “As soon as I met Mr. Polinsky, I said ‘Alright, I know I want to go to Johnson,’” the 25-year-old Dickson City native says. “He was a fun, bubbly guy who you could tell had a bunch of knowledge but also had a lot of fun while teaching it.“

Zaydon graduated in 2013 with an Associate of Science degree in Computer Information Technology. After Johnson College, he moved on to SUNY Polytechnic Institute where he earned his Bachelor’s in Computer Information Systems in 2015. He now works as a Software Engineer for Learning Services at IBM Security where he helps customers and business partners learn how to best utilize their IBM Security software.

“Johnson College gave me a focus,” explains Zaydon, “It helped me figure out what I enjoyed and what I actually wanted to do. I knew I liked computers but I didn’t know what aspect I enjoyed. It was nice to be able to get that foundation and figure out what I wanted to build upon in the future.”

His interest in computers and technology started at a very young age. He recalls fondly that when the computer in his family home would break, he was the one who would fix it as his siblings stood by baffled.  “[Fixing computers] surprisingly came fairly easily to me, and I enjoyed doing it. I figured, I wanted to go online and play a game so, I may as well try and fix the problem,” he says.

Finding solutions to technological problems is something that he continues to do in his career today. Zaydon says that he loves his job because it allows him to find solutions to one of the computer industry’s biggest roadblocks- security. “It’s pretty cool because you see a vulnerability that comes out and someone, like a bank, gets hacked and you’re sitting there saying ‘we could have avoided that,’” he says.

Zaydon’s passion for and extensive knowledge of computers has also allowed him to give back to organizations that have made an impact on his life. As an Eagle Scout, Zaydon now tries to stay active with his former Troop 322 (chartered by the Dickson City Community Ambulance Association) as a troop leader and the troop’s Webmaster.

When discussing what values and advice he would share with Johnson College students today, Zaydon recalls something he was taught by Johnson College’s Computer Information Technology Department Chair and Instructor, Joe Polinsky, “If you get to the end of a project or have a problem and hit your solution, but there is still a little bit more that you can do to make it even better- do it. It’ll look better, and you’re doing a disservice to yourself if you do the bare minimum.” These values have certainly benefited him as he began his professional career, first in Philadelphia and now in Harrisburg.

For more information on the Computer Information Technology program, please click here. 

Katie Pittelli, President & CEO of Johnson College, has announced the President’s List of students who have completed the Spring 2018 semester with a grade point average of 3.90 or higher.

Sarah Carey,  Architectural Drafting & Design Technology

Jerry Coyle,  Computer Information Technology

Brandon Emmett,  Biomedical Equipment Technology

Valerie Frank,  Architectural Drafting & Design Technology

Andrew Giardina,  Advanced Manufacturing Engineering Technology

Adrian Gonzalez,  Radiologic Technology

Jordan Hoinsky,  Electrical Construction & Maintenance Technology

Brandon Hudacko,  Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning Technology

Jovanne Morales, Veterinary Technology

Matthew Robinson, Computer Information Technology

Natalie Serrano, Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning Technology

Heather Smith, Physical Therapist Assistant

Maura Speicher, Physical Therapist Assistant

Benjamin Terry, Electronic Engineering Technology

Johnson College signed an agreement with Earlbeck Technologies on Monday, May 14th. The partnership will provide prospective students with industry recognized certifications. Trainings to be offered starting in June 2018 include hourly certificates that allow the student to gain basic, entry-level knowledge of welding principles and provides existing welders the opportunity to upskill. Class sessions will be conducted at Johnson College and will also expand the College’s footprint as they will be offering the same classes in York, PA at the Earlbeck facility. This is a true collaboration between higher education and industry.

Industry partnerships are of utmost importance to Johnson College’s recently appointed president and CEO, Katie Pittelli. “We have never had a partnership in the past that was this collaborative and formal which means we are both in this together, to train the welding workforce together.” Through a similar partnership with a two-year college in Maryland, and by utilizing its current welding curriculum, Earlbeck has successfully trained thousands of students.

Jim Earlbeck, president of Earlbeck Technologies said, “This new partnership brings together education and industry in a new way by blending Johnson’s traditional curriculum with desired industry skills.” With Earlbeck as a respected industry leader, President Pittelli said this collaboration is “The perfect marriage for industry training” because according to an article in the Wall Street Journal, skilled welders have the potential to make up to $150,000 due to a large shortage of qualified workers. According to the American Welding Society, the welding industry will face a shortage of about 400,000 welders by 2024.

For 99 years, Earlbeck Gases & Technologies has been an industry leader of welding supply distribution. Technical support and customer education have always been its priority. The business provides manufacturers in Maryland and Pennsylvania with welding process optimization and it prides itself in its ability to provide customer education and technical support.
The alignment of education and industry not only benefits potential students with job skills, but also provides local organizations a facility to utilize to train skilled workers. This new agreement provides job-ready training to those seeking employment or those currently employed seeking to upskill. Local businesses can connect with Johnson College and Earlbeck when seeking a skilled workforce, and also has the opportunity to seek assistance with consulting, training, and certification testing for other facets of business.

President Pittelli said she hopes to see a “Continued pattern of sustained growth for many years to come” when it comes to the Earlbeck Technologies relationship.

Those interested in taking welding courses at Johnson College can contact the Center for Professional Development at 570-702-8981 or email continuinged@johnson.edu.

Johnson College and The Andrew Mazza Foundation are proud to announce the 1st Andrew Mazza Diesel Jam to be held at Johnson College on Sunday, June 10, 2018. Diesel Jam will be a celebration of the diesel truck community, featuring a truck show, mobile dyno runs, vendors, food, and live entertainment. It will be an all-day (rain or shine) family friendly event. All trucks are invited to participate.

This event will support the Diesel Truck Technology Program at Johnson College and The Andrew Mazza Foundation. Diesel Truck Technology is a 2-year program designed to prepare students as entry-level technicians with the latest information on diagnosis, repair procedures, preventative maintenance, and necessary safety applications in diesel technology. The program graduates more than 20 students each year who have an immediate impact on the diesel truck industry, especially in Northeast Pennsylvania.

The Andrew Mazza Foundation, started in 2016, supports and enriches the community through Andrew’s passions and hobbies. Proceeds raised from Diesel Jam will go to enhance and expand the Diesel Truck Technology Program at Johnson, provide students with scholarships, and serve the community in which Andrew called home.

Early truck and mobile dyno registration can be completed through Johnson College’s Website at www.johnson.edu/DieselJam  until June 1, 2018.  The fee to register a truck is a $25 donation. Registration will be limited on the day of the event and will increase to $30 per registration, an additional fee is required to register for the mobile dyno. More information is available by contacting Dawn Ziegler at (570) 313-0369, emailing Andrewmazzafoundation@gmail.com or on Facebook at Johnson College or The Andrew Mazza Foundation.

Throughout the upcoming semesters, Electrical Construction and Maintenance, Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning, and Carpentry & Cabinetmaking students will work on a live project for NeighborWorks Northeast PA. Under the direction of NeighborWorks staff and their Johnson College instructors, they will contribute to a range of construction work at the property, located in Clarks Summit, PA. This project is a combination of community service and live lab work where class curriculum is brought to an ongoing project.

President & CEO of NeighborWorks Northeast, PA Jesse Ergott, said, “We have a dual focus on a project like this one. First, we want to improve the property to have a positive visual and economic impact on the neighborhood. Secondly, we love to see homes like these go to first-time homebuyers, many of whom are making their first significant investment. That being said, we don’t restrict who can ultimately purchase the home.” He also mentioned how well Johnson College students fit with the mission of the non-profit. “The students we work with are skilled, responsible, and excited to be giving back to the community. Their work helps us to keep our project costs down and to reinvest the savings into future projects. We also appreciate the credibility and visibility that working with Johnson College brings to our work and mission.”

According to Johnson College’s chief academic officer, Kellyn Nolan, “It is important for our students to work on live projects. Not only do they gain the opportunity to make an impact on a real project, but they get to see first-hand what the job site is like and how it is managed.”

Katie Pittelli, President and CEO of the College is proud to see students contributing to projects that serve others. “Live lab work is an opportunity for instructors and students to apply classroom training in the real world. Students experience their education.  And in this case, for a nonprofit that has shown dedication to serving its community.”