Johnson College Announces New Two-Year Associates Degree Program in Welding Fabrication Manufacturing Technology

– Students can now enroll in Johnson College’s new two-year associate degree Welding Fabrication Manufacturing Technology program. The program will start during the fall 2022 semester.

The two-year program prepares students for entry-level work in the welding industry. Students learn industry methods such as plasma arc, shielded metal arc, and gas metal arc welding, as well as techniques and critical skills for today’s welding workforce, including safety, print reading, and weld symbols. Program graduates are prepared to sit for various American Welding Society certifications and can work as welders, fabricators, fitters, ornamental metal sculptors, welder helpers, or in similar roles within the welding field.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Welding Technology field has a 3% growth potential through 2029. Graduates entering this field have the opportunity to make a medium annual income of up to $44,190. Typical welding industry employers include structural steel fabricators, custom metal shops, industrial contractors, shipyards, pipe and pressure vessel fabricators, and retail welding sales.

“Johnson College is adding this two-year associate degree Welding Fabrication Manufacturing Technology program because of the increasing demand from industry for highly skilled welders in today’s workforce,” said Dr. Kellyn Williams, Johnson College’s Chief Academic Officer. “This program, along with our one-year welding certificate program, creates options for potential students interested in entering the highly in-demand welding industry.”

To learn more about Johnson College’s new Welding Fabrication Manufacturing Technology Program visit https://johnson.edu/weldingfabrication. 

Villa Capri Cruisers Car Club Awards $1,000 Scholarship to Johnson College

The Villa Capri Cruisers Car Club, Inc. awarded a $1,000 scholarship to be given to a Johnson College Automotive Technology student. This year marks the 11th year for the scholarship by the club, which raises funds through donations, volunteer work, sponsorships, and annual calendar sales.

Johnson College’s two-year Automotive Technology associates degree program prepares students as entry-level technicians in the automobile and diesel industries. Graduates can work for employers in the automotive career fields of automotive, truck, farm, and earthmoving equipment dealerships; truck, power generation, and construction companies; automotive service centers; engine repair/machine shops; automotive equipment distributors; independent service garages; automotive parts manufacturers; sales representation; and auto insurance companies.

Pictured, front row, left to right: Karen Baker, Senior Director of College Advancement; Villa Capri President Joe Carra; Dr. Katie Pittelli, Johnson College President & CEO; Mike Macedonia. Back row, left to right: Dave Thomas, Patty Valvano, Frank Valvano, Nick Tielli, Mike Greenstein, and Charlie Leavesley.

Johnson College to Host an Open House on November 6, 2021

Johnson College will hold an in-person Open House on its campus in Scranton on Saturday, November 6, 2021, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. To register for 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 department chairs will be available to review the specifics of their programs. Social distancing guidelines will be followed. Face coverings are required inside all campus buildings regardless of vaccinated status.

Johnson College Announces Record-Setting Enrollment for Third Consecutive Year

Johnson College has announced a record-setting enrollment for the 2021-2022 academic year. The College outpaced its enrollment for 2020-2021 by 8%.

With a record number of students enrolled for the third 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 about workforce development.

In addition to a record number of incoming first-year students, Johnson College also welcomed its largest Dual Enrollment-Industry Fast Track class to date. More than 40 students from around the area have enrolled either part-time or full-time with Johnson College for college credits while also earning their high school diplomas.

“The increase in enrollment in these areas demonstrates that our programs, and the careers they lead to, are more in demand than ever,” said Bill Burke, M.S., Johnson College’s Vice President of Student and Academic Affairs. “Our students get the opportunity to work in industry from day one, which gives them the leading edge when they are ready to seek in-field employment  upon graduation.”

Several recent Johnson College graduates have found employment at Automated Lifestyles LLC in Moscow, PA, which installs audio, visual, and other electronic equipment for security, home automation, and other home and commercial media needs. “Finding technicians for such a specialized industry can be a challenge,” Larry Supon, Owner and President of Automated Lifestyles, said. “The partnership (with Johnson College) works because students come to us prepared with  the skills for the job, and also the ability to think outside the box.”

Partnerships with established industries throughout the region remain a key component of what sets Johnson College apart. “Johnson College helps provide a fundamental training that allows their students to enter the workforce, as well as positioning them to enter more specialized training provided at the employer level,” said Tom Spall, owner, and president of T.E. Spall & Son, a College industry partner based in Carbondale that provides plumbing, heating, and air conditioning services. “This helps position the students with the necessary tools for their individual success.”

Marcelo Desousa, regional operations manager at Fastenal in Jessup, PA, said that the ongoing and reciprocal relationship between Johnson College and Fastenal has helped the company build its employee base. “We have students come for part-time work or for internships, and we are able to seamlessly bring them on board once they finish their degree program,” Desousa said. “The College understands where the workforce is going, and we know that the students who come to us have the type of training we need.”

Enroll Now in Fundamentals of Welding Class

Johnson College’s Continuing Education Program is currently enrolling students in its next Fundamentals of Welding class, scheduled for September on its campus in Scranton. Space is very limited.

Students will learn the basics of the major welding processes. After fundamentals, students can enroll in an intermediate class in either Shielded Metal Arc Welding (Stick), Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (TIG), or Gas Metal Arc Welding (MIG). Each of these classes works toward plate certification to a common welding code.

To learn more or enroll contact the Johnson College Continuing Education department at 570-702-8979, email continuinged@johnson.edu, or visit https://johnson.edu/continuingeducation/.

Johnson College Spring 2021 Semester President’s List

On May 17, 2021, Dr. Katie Pittelli, President & CEO of Johnson College, announced the President’s List of students who have completed the 2021 Spring Semester with a grade point average of 3.90 or higher.

Evan Wilcox, Architectural Drafting & Design Technology, Milanville, PA

John DeLucca, Electrical Construction and Maintenance Technology, Pittston, PA

Brandon Dougherty, Electrical Construction and Maintenance Technology, South Abington Township, PA

Philip Davitt, Electrical Construction and Maintenance Technology, Dickson City, PA

Shane McHugh, Computer Information Technology, Scranton, PA

David Weaver, Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Technology, Carbondale, PA

Brandon Grandinetti, Computer Information Technology, Olyphant, PA

Michael Salansky, Computer Information Technology, Uniondale, PA

Brittany Bethel, Veterinary Technology, Dallas, PA

Devon Nowicky, Radiologic Technology, Drums, PA

Jorden Sekol, Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Old Forge, PA

Alexander Nallin, Veterinary Technology, Scranton, PA

Johnson College provides real-world, hands-on learning in a caring environment and prepares graduates to enter into or advance in their careers. Johnson College degrees become essential careers. Johnson College was founded in 1912, and is the region’s premier technical college, offering 15 associate degree programs and 3 academic certificates. An emphasis on hands-on instruction is supported by a low student-to-teacher ratio. Located in Scranton on a 44-acre campus, the College is an accredited, private, non-profit, co-educational institution with a strong tradition of working with regional businesses and industry 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 to Host 4th Annual Auction for Children’s Advocacy Center

Johnson College’s Carpentry & Cabinetmaking Technology program will host an auction to benefit the Children’s Advocacy Center of NEPA on Wednesday, April 28th, 2021 on the Johnson College campus. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. and the auction starts at 6:00 p.m.

More than 60 items will be available to bid on including cutting boards, tables, cabinets, a book case and more. All items were created by students in the Carpentry & Cabinetmaking program. Most of the items were made from re-purposed wood. Face masks are required and social distancing guidelines will be followed.

The 2019 auction raised over $7,000 for the local non-profit. No auction was held in 2020 due to the on-going pandemic. To register, please visit johnson.edu/events/annual-carpentry-auction.

Photo Caption: John Dutter, Carpentry & Cabinetmaking Technology freshman, stains a table he made for Johnson College’s 4th Annual Carpentry Auction benefitting the Children’s Advocacy Center of NEPA on Wednesday, April 28th, 2021 on the Johnson College campus.

Now Enrolling Students in Forklift Operator Training Course

Johnson College’s Continuing Education program is offering a Forklift Operator Training Course on Saturday, May 8, 2021, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Diesel Truck Technology Center on the College’s campus in Scranton. The cost of the course is $200, but if you are a current Johnson College student or alumni the cost is only $100. Space is limited! Visit johnson.edu/continuingeducation or contact our Continuing Education team at 570-702-8979 or continuinged@johnson.edu to learn more and enroll.

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 operator of forklifts through theory and tactile testing. Nine hours of instruction including pre-operational inspection, picking up, traveling, and placing loads, parking procedures, refueling, and practical operation.

More Students Back to Campus for the 2021-2022 Academic Year Starting June 28

Johnson College will welcome more students back to campus for in-person classes and labs for the 2021-22 academic year starting with its summer session on June 28, 2021. Through its enhanced course offerings, the College is committed to delivering its mission of providing students with real-world, hands-on learning in a caring and safe environment.

Students will be able to choose either in-person or virtual classes for their general education and program theory courses, which have only been offered virtually since March 2020. Labs and lab-related coursework will continue to be delivered in-person, on the Johnson College campus, or at one of our industry partner lab locations. CDC guidelines will be adhered to at all locations.

Throughout the 2021-2022 academic year, Johnson College will continue to divide campus by zones to ensure contact tracing. Masks will be provided and social distancing guidelines enforced. The Facilities Department is following all CDC cleaning guidelines for the campus. The student Café will not operate as normal. Students will be allowed to bring their food and use the dining area. Tables and chairs will be set up within social distancing guidelines. “Grab and go” items will be available to students as well. Congregating and events will be limited. Housing will not be available for the foreseeable future. Students who need housing should contact the Office of Student Engagement for other options.

This plan is subject to change pending guidelines set forth by local, state, and national government officials and appropriate health agencies.

“As we move forward from this past academic year, the Johnson College community is thrilled to be able to welcome our students, some for the first time, back on campus, with even more flexible options for their education,” said Dr. Katie Pittelli, President & CEO, Johnson College.