Now Enrolling Students in CDL Driver Training Course at Greater Hazleton Campus

Johnson College, in partnership with Ancora Education, is now enrolling students in its Class A CDL Driver Training course that begins on September 18, 2023, at the College’s new satellite campus, Johnson College at the CAN DO Training Center, in Hazle Township.

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

Students will learn to inspect and operate tractor-trailers and to assume driver responsibilities on the road and at pickup/delivery points. Emphasis is 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 obtain their CDL in as little as four weeks. 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.

Johnson College Hosts Celebration of Industry to Honor Industry Champion and Support Students

Johnson College hosted its inaugural Celebration of Industry at its Scranton campus on Thursday, September 7, to celebrate the unique relationship between the College and its industry partners. Proceeds from the signature fundraising event exceeded $100,000 and will benefit the College’s Innovation at Work Capital Campaign to improve programs and facilities for student success.

The College honored David F. Boniello ’84, president of Simplex Industries, during the event for his leadership and contributions to, and on behalf of, Johnson College and the Northeastern Pennsylvania region. He was awarded the President’s Spirit of Giving award by Dr. Katie Pittelli, President & CEO of Johnson College. This award is an artistic representation of industry, community, and education made of steel and welded together in a flowing design. It was created by the College’s Welding Technology Program Director, Tony DeLucca, and welding instructors, Ben Lipperini and Josh Perniciaro.

The event featured cocktails and dinner before beginning the award segment of the evening where members of Johnson College and Simplex Industries communities introduced Mr. Boniello including Dr. Pittelli, J. Patrick Dietz, Senior Vice President of People’s Security Bank and Trust and Chairperson of Johnson College’s Board of Directors, and Pat Fricchione Jr., CEO and General Partner of Simplex Homes.

“When you work alongside Dave in any way, you have a friend for life. Someone who will cheerlead, advocate, and be brutally honest as needed,” said Dr. Pittelli.

More than 240 industry leaders, government officials, industry and community partners, and supporters of Johnson College joined the College in celebration as Dr. Pittelli proudly bestowed the award on Mr. Boniello.

“As we think of Dave, he embodies all that this award represents – he gives so generously of his time, talent, and treasure,” she said.

After graduating from Johnson College’s Building Construction Technology program in 1984, Mr. Boniello became an active member of the College. He participated in Program Advisory Committees, became the first alum to be named Chair of the Board of Directors in 2016, and is now serving as Chair of the College’s Innovation at Work Capital Campaign

In addition to his commitment to the College, Boniello has served Simplex Industries for over 30 years, climbing the ranks to his current role as President. He was an instrumental part of the company’s efforts to launch its own retail division for home sales called Cornerstone Building Solutions Inc. of which he also serves as President. Mr. Boniello is also a former board member of the Lackawanna Home Builders Association and Home Builders Association of Northeastern Pennsylvania, along with the Women’s Resource Center Golf Tournament Committee.

“I am truly honored and humbled at being selected with this honor by the College,” said Mr. Boniello. “It has been very rewarding to me personally and professionally to be able to work with the College and help support the programs and efforts given by everyone.”

Simplex Industries has been an industry partner with Johnson College for over 25 years. The relationship between these organizations continues to thrive with support from Mr. Boniello while it benefits both organizations and most importantly, the local community.

Photo Caption

David Boniello ’84, President of Simplex Homes, receives the President’s Spirit of Giving Award from Dr. Katie Pittelli, President & CEO of Johnson College, at the College’s Celebration of Industry event on Thursday, September 7 at its Scranton campus.

Trade Programs Thrive with Fifth Year of Record Enrollment

Johnson College trade programs are thriving as record enrollment continues to outpace the previous academic year with over 630 students between its Scranton and Hazleton campuses.

In addition to a record number of incoming first-year and returning students, Johnson College also welcomed its largest Industry Fast Track class to date. There are over 70 students from the Northeastern Pennsylvania region who have enrolled either part-time or full-time with Johnson College for college credits while also earning their high school diplomas.

Johnson College has seen an increase in enrollment in the building trades programs of over 15% in the past two years. Programs in its Building Trades & Technology division such as its Electrical Construction Technology and Heating, Ventilation, & Air Conditioning Technology programs have more than doubled enrollment in the last five years.

“The College is expanding to meet the increasing demand for skilled technicians and technologists in our area,” said Bill Burke, M.S., Johnson College’s Vice President of Student and Academic Affairs. “With the addition of new programs and a satellite campus in the greater Hazleton region, we continue to hear from industry and community partners, students and their families, as well as area school districts that what we offer is invaluable and an asset to our area.”

With a record number of students enrolled for the fifth year in a row, Johnson College works hard to fill the skills gap in today’s job marketplace – making the College’s recruitment and programmatic focus more on workforce development.

Now Enrolling Students in CDL Driver Training Course at Greater Hazleton Campus

Johnson College, in partnership with Ancora Education, is now enrolling students in its Class A CDL Driver Training course that begins on August 21, 2023, at the College’s new satellite campus, Johnson College at the CAN DO Training Center, in Hazle Township.

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

Students will learn to inspect and operate tractor-trailers and to assume driver responsibilities on the road and at pickup/delivery points. Emphasis is 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 obtain their CDL in as little as four weeks. 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.

Johnson College Hazleton Holds First-Ever Open House on July 27

Johnson College Hazleton will hold its first-ever student and community Open House on Thursday, July 27, from 5 to 7 p.m., at the CAN DO Training Center inside the Humboldt Industrial Park at 370 Maplewood Drive in Hazle Township. The event welcomes all interested students and community members eager to see the progress of the new college campus.

All visitors must register to attend the Open House by visiting johnson.edu/openhousehazleton or contacting Johnson College’s Enrollment Department at 570-702-8856 or enroll@johnson.edu.

The Open House will include discussions with interested students 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 their programs’ specifics with students and the community.

Scranton Campus to Host Open House on July 12

Johnson College will hold an on-campus Open House on Wednesday, July 12, 2023, from 5 to 7 p.m. on its Scranton campus. To register to attend the Open House, visit Johnson.edu/openhouse or contact Johnson College’s Enrollment Department at 570-702-8856 or enroll@johnson.edu.

Open House 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.

Now Enrolling Students in Continuing Education Welding Courses

Johnson College’s Continuing Education Program is currently enrolling students for their next Fundamentals of Welding course starting on July 13, 2023, and an Intermediate Shielded Metal Arc Welding course starting July 27, 2023.  Both classes will be held on the Johnson College Scranton campus. To learn more or enroll, visit johnson.edu/continuing-education/ or contact the Johnson College Continuing Education department at 570-702-8979 or email continuinged@johnson.edu. 

During the Fundamentals of Welding, students will learn the basics of the major welding processes.

The Intermediate Shielded Metal Arc Welding (Stick) Welding course will teach students equipment set-up, basic techniques, and safety for oxy-fuel welding and cutting.  In addition, basic metallurgy, welding codes, welding inspection, and welding symbols will be discussed.

Now Enrolling Students in Basic Maintenance Course

Johnson College’s Continuing Education Program is currently enrolling students in its next Basic Maintenance course offered on the College’s Scranton campus. The course will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. beginning on July 10, 2023, to August 16, 2023, and cost $500.

This 48-hour non-credit certificate course is designed for individuals looking to enter the high-demand field of maintenance and repair. Students will learn basic maintenance and repair skills required in the upkeep of building and property systems. Instructional topics include areas such as tools, equipment, plumbing, electrical, carpentry, pest control, weatherization, and painting.

To learn more or enroll, visit https://johnson.edu/continuing-education/, call 570-702-8979, or email continuinged@johnson.edu.