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Mifflin Co. Academy Highlights Investments in Job Training
Pennsylvania Ag Connection - 05/21/2018

Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) Deputy Secretary for Workforce Development Eileen Cipriani visited the Mifflin County Academy of Science and Technology and highlighted Governor Tom Wolf's PAsmart proposal to prepare students with the education and job skills that local employers need in the global economy.

"Investing in career and technical education at schools like Mifflin County Academy of Science and Technology ensures that our workers and students get the real-world skills they need for in-demand, 21st century jobs," said Cipriani. "It is our goal that by 2025, 60 percent of Pennsylvanians will have some form of postsecondary education and training. Governor Wolf has proposed historic new investments to improve access for Pennsylvania students and workers to education, training, and career readiness programs."

With employers expanding in Pennsylvania, Governor Wolf has made education and job training a top priority for his administration. In his 2018-19 budget, the governor proposed PAsmart -- a first-of-its-kind workforce development proposal to invest $50 million for STEM and computer science education, support hands-on technical education programs, and encourage employers and schools to coordinate together to help students of all ages get the skills employers need.

Cipriani toured Mifflin County Academy of Science and Technology's job training programs, including the advanced precision machining, mechatronics, as well as the adult practical nursing and CDL labs. Later, she visited the school's co-op program at Lewistown employer Noerr's International and spoke with a student in the auto service program, as well as Noerr's service manager who is on the Academy's Automotive Mechanics' Occupational Advisory Committee.

"Promoting career and technical education programs like these at Mifflin County Academy of Science and Technology ensures that we have a job-ready workforce to meet local employers' needs," said Cipriani. "In addition to academic proficiency, students and adults train using the latest techniques on industry-standard equipment and the academy works closely with local employers to design programs to ensure that students are work-ready upon graduation, and that job seekers have the skills they need to obtain good, middle class jobs."

"The academy provides both secondary and adult students with in-demand technical skills, which are crucial to the success of Pennsylvania's economy," said Mifflin County Academy of Science and Technology's Administrative Director Dan Potutschnig. "Governor Wolf's PAsmart initiative further highlights the importance of workforce training. By working closely with business and industry, we will be able to address the local and regional workforce needs."

The Mifflin County Academy of Science and Technology provides education for high school students from Mifflin County, East Juniata and Juniata high schools, and adult learners. Students in grades 10, 11, and 12 participate in 11 vocational-technical programs at the academy. Many of the academy's courses provide articulated college credits upon completion. Students can also gain valuable on-the-job experience through the school's co-op program, which can lead into full time employment following the completion of the program. Additionally, the academy offers several full-time and part-time courses for adult students, job seekers and incumbent workers. These courses provide an opportunity to upgrade existing job skills or train for a new career.

"Mifflin County Academy of Science and Technology does a great job preparing its students for the work force," said Ken Messerman, service manager at Noerr's International. "As a member of the academy's Automotive Mechanics' Occupational Advisory Committee I can say first-hand that the school works closely with local businesses to design programs that meet the real-world work needs of local employers."


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