Industry
Benton Foundry
- Accounting & Business Administration
- Automated Manufacturing & Machining
- Electrical
- Electronics & Computer Engineering Technology
- Engineering & Industrial Design Technology
Benton Foundry has been a privately-held, family-operated gray and ductile iron foundry for over 160 years. They are a fully-automated and integrated facility with a large number of robotic cells and employ engineers from a variety of disciplines.
Benton Foundry currently has a scholarship program supported by an endowment in excess of $500,000 at the Pennsylvania College of Technology.
Industry Partnerships
Q&A with Benton Foundry
HOW DID YOUR COMPANY FIRST CONNECT WITH PENN COLLEGE?
The relationship between Benton Foundry and Penn College has evolved since it was Williamsport Area Community College in the 1980s. Benton Foundry offers internships and full-time positions to students and alumni of Penn College, as well as scholarships that are funded through the Benton Foundry endowment at Penn College. We currently employ approximately 20 Penn College graduates.
HOW HAS ENROLLING AS A CORPORATE TOMORROW MAKER ENHANCED YOUR PARTNERSHIP WITH PENN COLLEGE?
Benton Foundry is a growing, local employer that values high-quality technical education and collaborative relationships. We recognize that Penn College offers impressive programs that are well aligned with our operation. The more programs that we can work on together, the stronger we both become. We feel that the relationship with Penn College is one of Benton Foundry’s core strengths.
WHAT QUALITIES OF PENN COLLEGE STUDENTS MAKE THEM STAND OUT FOR YOUR OPERATIONS?
We enjoy working with students who have mechanical/electrical aptitude in addition to an innate curiosity as to how things work. Penn College is a microcosm for these types of students. Educated, hands-on experience is invaluable.
WHAT ASPECTS OF YOUR COMPANY ATTRACT OUR STUDENTS AND FUTURE STUDENTS TO JOIN YOUR OPERATION?
Benton Foundry is a progressive, capital-intensive company. Our engineers and technicians regularly work with a variety of applications including 3D modeling, robotics, PLC programming, integrating systems, hydraulics, and pneumatics. Our stability, local roots, and eagerness to adopt new technologies have been a draw to Penn College students. These do not tend to be jobs where you sit in a cubicle and stare at a screen all day.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU SHARE WITH HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS (AND PARENTS) WHO ARE CONSIDERING PENN COLLEGE?
Hands-on experience is grossly undervalued and often lacking in many college settings, yet students with such experiences are in very high demand. Penn College does an exceptional job of matching students skillsets and academic/professional interests to the needs of employers. This market-based approach is often not the primary focus of colleges and universities, but Penn College is on-point in recognizing the importance of making such connections. We have found that students that have the discipline required to attend and flourish at Penn College end up being highly-educated and motivated employees that can hit the ground running.
WHAT PROFESSIONAL ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE PENN COLLEGE STUDENTS TO BETTER PREPARE THEM TO JOIN YOUR TEAM?
Our professional advice to Penn College students is to find 'your thing' that is personally motivating, because you’ll be doing it for the next 40+ years. Find a friendly and comfortable work environment with team members that share similar interests and work ethic. The work environment should provide structure, but also allow for your individual freedom and creativity. Establish your own goals ... and strive to achieve them.
Industry Connections
“We feel that the relationship with Penn College is one of Benton Foundry’s core strengths.”
Jeff Hall, President
Fueling a future of possibilities
Penn College's strong corporate partnerships impact every step of the student journey–from scholarships and equipment donations to internships and employment opportunities.
Penn College Scholarships
Benton Foundry Scholarship
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Programs
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Automated Manufacturing & Machining
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