PREPARING GRADUATES FOR SUCCESS IN THE WORKPLACE

(March 13, 2009)... Many industries now rely on state or nationally recognized certification standards as a tool to ensure a highly skilled workforce. Some industries require certification prior to beginning employment. Often, career advancement and pay increases are condition on achieving specific certification levels. Many of the programs offered at the Indiana County Technology Center (ICTC) enable students to earn industry certifications prior to graduation.

Twelve out of the thirteen program areas at the ICTC offer one or more industry certifications.  Students in Auto Technology (AT) can obtain their PA Safety Inspection Mechanic certification which provides auto mechanics with the required Pennsylvania Department of Transportation documentation to conduct PA safety inspection of vehicles.  AT students can also graduate with S/P2 Mechanic Safety Certification and S/P2 Pollution Prevention Certification.  All employees involved in automotive repair and maintenance, as well as, automobile insurance claims are required to undergo training on environmental and personal safety issues before entering the workplace.  Collision Repair Technology (CRT) offers the S/P2 Pollution Prevention Certification along with the S/P2 Collision Safety Certification.  CRT students also have an opportunity to earn their PPG Certification (Blue Level).  The PPG Certification will enable students to perform qualified PPG refinish repairs in collision centers that are part of the PPG Lifetime Paint Performance Guarantee program.  This certification course involves personal safety, spray equipment, paint chemical fundamentals, and repair procedures and is taught at a certified PPG training center.  Students must pass both a written and performance evaluation developed and administered by PPG Industries.

Computer Systems Technology students can graduate the ICTC with their CompTia A+, Network+, Security+ and/or Server+ Certification.  Students achieving the CompTia A+ Certification are skilled in computer repair, hardware installation, configuration and trouble shooting, preventative maintenance, operating system fundamentals and memory management.  The Network+ Certification attests to the individual’s ability to design, implement, install, maintain, optimize, and troubleshoot computer networks.  Security+ validates knowledge of systems security, network infrastructure, access control, assessments and audits, cryptography and organizational security.   The Server+ Certification confirms the technician’s ability to install, maintain, optimize and troubleshoot networks server hardware and software, including network operating systems.

Cosmetology students completing 1250 program hours are eligible to take the practical and theory exam through the State of Pennsylvania, and earn a Pennsylvania State Cosmetology License.  Culinary Arts (CART) students can earn the American Culinary Federation Certified Graduate Certificate after completing the approved course of study and achieving a passing score as required by the American Culinary Federation Secondary Certification Committee.  CART students can also earn the ServSafe Certification, a science-based course necessary to operate a sanitary program within the food service industry.  Upon successful completion, students receive a ServSafe Certification and automatically become a member of the International Food Safety Council.

The PrintED Certification is administered by the Graphic Arts Education and Research Foundation and is a national accreditation program available to Graphics and Electronic Media students.  Graduates of the program bring to the workplace an equivalent of six months on-the-job training.  Health Occupations Technology students take a written and oral exam on nurse aide related knowledge, skills, and abilities.  The exam allows students to demonstrate their ability to safely perform the job of an entry-level nurse aide.  Students must pass both components to be listed on the Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Registry.  Students in Health Occupations also graduate with certifications in adult, infant and child CPR and first aid from the American Red Cross.

Machining Technology students earn NIMS (National Institute of Metalworking Skills) credentials.  NIMS certificates are the metalworking industry’s only skills certificate that is based on national standards and accredited by the American National Standards Institute.  The American Welding Society Certification is offered to the students in Welding Technology.  The ICTC is an accredited testing facility through the American Welding Society (AWS).  Students enrolled in the program can earn their certification(s) by demonstrating welding proficiency in a variety of welding positions on various materials using Shielded Metal Arc Welding, Gas Metal Arc Welding, Gas Tungsten Arc Welding, and Flux Cored Arc Welding.
Masonry and Electrical Occupations students who have received the Pennsylvania Skills certificate and completed an approved program are eligible for the National Home Builders Association Endorsement.  Carpentry and Machining Technology students along with Masonry and Electrical Occupations can also earn an OSHA certification from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

In 2008 the ICTC awarded 80 out of 129 seniors with a total of 168 certifications, thus preparing these graduates for success in a competitive workplace.  At the ICTC, we are “educating for the competitive edge.”.

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