Career Technology Center of Lackawanna County Students Receive Forklift Operator Certifications from Johnson College

On Sunday, April 10, 2022, Dr. Katie Pittelli, President & CEO of Johnson College, congratulated students from The Career Technology Center of Lackawanna County for receiving certification for completing Johnson College Continuing Education’s Forklift Operator Training Course. 

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 operators of forklifts through theory and tactile testing. Instructional topics include pre-operational inspection, picking up, traveling, placing loads, parking procedures, and practical operation.

Pictured left to right: Matthew Tucker, Dylan McGoff, Anthony Marconi, Serenity Fuller, Dr. Katie Pittelli, President & CEO of Johnson College, Nicholas Lathrop, Joshua Aguero, Jordan Campbell, and Luciano Dinguis.

RISE: Readiness In Skilled Employment, a new unique workforce development program

In an effort to help remove socio-economic barriers for some individuals looking to enter the workforce and earn a life-sustaining wage, Johnson College, United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania, The Institute for Public Policy & Economic Development, and the William G. McGowan Charitable Fund have formed a unique partnership to address this critical need and solve the skills gap in NEPA.

RISE: Readiness In Skilled Employment (https://risenepa.org/) is a workforce development program to serve residents of Lackawanna and Luzerne counties with the opportunity to obtain technical training while accessing additional supports to remove any barriers that stand in their way of starting a new career. Funded by the William G. McGowan Charitable Fund, the support and services offered will provide enrolled participants the pathway necessary to earn a family-sustaining wage. RISE paves the way for individuals and their future generations to succeed.

“There are over 7,000 jobs currently posted available in NEPA even with a declining unemployment rate and increased labor force participation,” commented Teri Ooms, Executive Director at The Institute for Public Policy & Economic Development. “These jobs require all different levels of education, training, and skills. There is opportunity! RISE addresses both the education and training to secure those jobs, while helping individuals with all the other challenges that affect their ability to learn and be gainfully employed.” Participants will achieve the hands-on education through Johnson College to secure an in-demand job in NEPA.

“For over 100 years, Johnson College has worked to produce skilled technicians needed for the workforce, and now the need is greater than ever,” said Dr Katie Pittelli, Johnson College CEO & President. “By our organizations working together, more people from our community will have an opportunity to lessen the job market’s skills gap by becoming well-trained technicians without having to overcome certain barriers. Plus, they will enter the workforce with the knowledge and training to be able to earn family-sustaining wages. RISE will change lives.”

“United Neighborhood Centers is thrilled to be working with Johnson College, The Institute, and the William G. McGowan Charitable Fund on this new initiative,” noted Lisa Durkin, President & CEO of United Neighborhood Centers. “Never before has the need for a strong skilled workforce been more evident. Many industries and professions are looking to fill key positions right now. It is our goal that we meet the demand of area employers and prepare the families and individuals we work with for these rewarding opportunities.”

Free College Readiness for STEM Occupations Program Available to Lackawanna County Teenagers from Low-Income Households

Johnson College is offering a free eight-week College Readiness for STEM Occupations program for teenagers ages 14 to 18 years old, from low-income families, who live in Lackawanna County. The program starts Wednesday, April 21, 2021, and continues every Wednesday and Thursday from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. for eight-weeks. The program includes dinner for students and transportation between Scranton High School and the Johnson College campus if needed. For eligibility requirements and to register, contact Dr. Kellyn Williams, Johnson College’s Chief Academic Officer at knolan@johnson.edu or 570-702-8940. This program is supported by a grant from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program.

The College Readiness for STEM Occupations program includes presentations and hands-on discovery activities designed to increase awareness of career opportunities in the STEM workforce and to improve college-readiness skills. Participants are evaluated throughout the program based on attendance and discussion. The program will:

  • Increase awareness of STEM-related occupations.
  • Increase awareness of two-year options for post-secondary education.
  • Designed for all students, not just those who will pursue post-secondary education or careers in STEM or STEM-related fields.
  • Develop skills necessary for success in college and career.
  • Increase student potential for academic and personal success through knowledge of campus resources.

Students who complete the program with at least 80% attendance will receive college credit (a $550 value). To qualify for the college credit, students will be required to sign-in at each session to verify attendance.