Tap into world-class training plus research and development designed to help polymer companies close skills gaps, increase efficiencies, and overcome process and compounding challenges.

Explore our training.

Equipping employees with essential skills and knowledge to become safe and productive contributors in a polymer manufacturing environment is critical. Explore our customized training programs designed to develop proficient polymer professionals.

Hands-On Workshops

Each year, Workforce Development hosts a hands-on polymer workshop series led by industry experts, including Penn College faculty. These workshops are held on campus in Williamsport, PA. Participants have access to industrial-scale process equipment and extensive material testing laboratories. In addition to key learning opportunities, participants can network with peers and industry leaders.

Apprenticeships

Our Plastics Process Technician program develops machine operators into valued technicians. We offer registered apprenticeships in extrusion and injection molding led by industry experts. Courses are delivered virtually to allow for multi-site delivery and maximum flexibility. 

Online Polymer Process Modules

These self-paced learning systems utilize video content to deliver theoretical, conceptual, and virtual instruction through digital twinning in extrusion and injection molding. 

Custom Training

Draw upon the expertise of our panel of renowned instructors and industry experts to develop custom training to meet your needs. Training can be offered on-site at your facility or in our labs in beautiful Williamsport, PA. Contact us to learn more. 

Degree Programs

Penn College offers associate and bachelor’s degrees in polymer engineering, combining hands-on training with engineering theory. Students work with industrial-scale equipment across five major plastics processes and benefit from strong industry partnerships, expert faculty, and career-ready skills.

Workforce Development provides technological resources to facilitate the growth and success of the polymer industry. Serving the educational, training, and research and development needs of polymer processors, resin suppliers, mold builders, and equipment manufacturers, we deliver extensive material testing laboratories, industrial-scale process equipment, and world-class training facilities, all with highly skilled training and consulting staff.

Explore our program areas

Applied Research & Development

Penn College Workforce Development is a comprehensive solution for process improvement, applied R&D, product development, and prototyping.

Plastics Mobile Lab

The Plastics Mobile Lab provides a user-friendly hands-on STEM educational opportunity for students.

Shell Polymers Rotational Molding Center of Excellence

The center supports applied research and development in the rotomolding industry.

Benefits

Increase profitability

  • Improve manufacturing productivity
  • Better utilize and manage materials
  • Use new technology and materials
  • Benefit from energy reduction programs
  • Decrease operation costs

Decrease development costs

  • Reduce production down time for trials on new materials or products
  • Handle analysis, testing, mold trials, product development, and research needs
  • Reduce capital costs – no need to invest in your own R&D facilities

Develop and train your workforce

  • Participate in national hands-on workshops
  • Employee certification of skills and knowledge
  • Provide customized workshops at your site or at Penn College

Penn College Workforce Development News:

Penn College Workforce Development offers polymers series

March 06, 2026

Penn College Workforce Development will host a series of seven polymer workshops that combine classroom lectures with hands-on experience in on-campus labs. The…

Penn College team leads workshop with Kiefel Technologies Inc.

December 18, 2025

Penn College Workforce Development staff members recently assisted industry leaders – including two Penn College alumni – at a two-day class focusing on the…

Penn College participates in manufacturing career day

December 16, 2025

The Penn College Workforce Development polymers team recently attended the Da Vinci Science Center’s Manufacturing Career Connection Day in Allentown. More than…

Penn College Workforce Development announces rebranding

November 04, 2025

Pennsylvania College of Technology’s Workforce Development division has consolidated its program units under a single, cohesive brand, a move that reinforces…

Penn College plastics workshop attracts industry professionals

July 09, 2025

A recent two-day class focusing on heavy-gauge thermoforming applications attracted 15 industry professionals from seven companies to Pennsylvania College of…

Penn College offers injection molding workshop

June 17, 2025

Nine industry professionals recently spent three days immersed in the Injection Molding Processing Fundamentals Workshop at Pennsylvania College of Technology’s…

Penn College hosts rotational molding workshop

May 30, 2025

Pennsylvania College of Technology’s Plastics Innovation & Resource Center trained 14 industry professionals representing 10 companies during a recent…

Penn College workshop attracts plastics pros

May 27, 2025

The Plastics Innovation & Resource Center at Pennsylvania College of Technology delivered training to eight industry professionals during the recent Color…

Polymer technology major celebrates new extruder

January 24, 2025

Representatives from Graham Engineering Co. LLC visited campus to celebrate the operational status of an American Kuhne 1.5-inch extruder that Penn College…

Penn College polymer training attracts diverse professionals

October 31, 2024

The Plastics Innovation & Resource Center at Pennsylvania College of Technology conducted a flurry of workshops in October, delivering training to 25…

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