"Penn College has made a lasting impact on me and my career. Penn College provides graduates who are ready to join the workforce with real-world relevant experience paired with the latest technology. ELLWOOD is excited to collaborate with Penn College to fill the skills gap in many different areas of our manufacturing processes.”
Industry
ELLWOOD
- Applied Technology Studies
- Apprenticeship Technology
- Automated Manufacturing & Machining
- Electrical
- Electronics & Computer Engineering Technology
- Engineering & Industrial Design Technology
- Information Technology
- Welding & Metal Fabrication
Since their founding in 1910, ELLWOOD has grown through expansion and acquisition to become the leading vertically-integrated supplier of quality metals and custom-engineered components for critical applications worldwide. From raw materials to finished machined and coated products ready for assembly, they provide products their customers require in the world’s most demanding applications. While their footprint now spans 10 business units and more than 25 locations across North America, they haven’t lost sight of what’s right: treating team members, industry partners, and customers like family. As a family-owned business, they work as a committed partner with their stakeholders to ensure integrity, welcome new ideas, and achieve shared success.
Industry Partnerships
Q&A with ELLWOOD
HOW DID YOUR COMPANY FIRST CONNECT WITH PENN COLLEGE?
ELLWOOD is on a journey to identify and collaborate with more strategic workforce development partners. As a part of this effort, we were grateful to Penn College graduates on our ELLWOOD team who brought the potential of a partnership with Penn College to our attention.
HOW HAS ENROLLING AS A CORPORATE TOMORROW MAKER ENHANCED YOUR PARTNERSHIP WITH PENN COLLEGE?
The Corporate Tomorrow Maker program is new to us and we are excited to get started!
WHAT QUALITIES OF PENN COLLEGE STUDENTS MAKE THEM STAND OUT FOR YOUR OPERATIONS?
Penn College graduates have the skills to become difference makers in our company from day one on the job. The well-rounded curriculum is highly applicable to our manufacturing environment. The impressive lab facilities and experienced instructors lead to demonstrated hands-on skills, not just classroom knowledge. Penn College's focus on preparing students with professional and communication skills sets graduates apart from their peers at other schools. This means these students will experience a much shorter runway to full competency in the workplace, which is a big positive for team member and company alike!
WHAT ASPECTS OF YOUR COMPANY ATTRACT OUR STUDENTS AND FUTURE STUDENTS TO JOIN YOUR OPERATION?
ELLWOOD is a company big enough to really make an impact, manufacturing critical metals and engineered components that go to use in absolutely crucial applications like defense, aerospace, infrastructure, and transportation. But as a family-owned business with a long-term view and a decentralized business model, our business units are small enough and independent enough to give team members a feeling of hands-on, can-do ownership over their work, and membership in a close-knit team. We emphasize a culture of integrity, doing what is right, and we do work that matters. We feel proud of our contributions to industry in the United States and beyond!
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU SHARE WITH HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS (AND PARENTS) WHO ARE CONSIDERING PENN COLLEGE?
Penn College graduates have the technical and professional skills to jump into industry with two feet! Manufacturing offers many excellent career paths for growth and achievement and a feeling of accomplishment and meaning. Penn College prepares students to take advantage of that right away.
WHAT PROFESSIONAL ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE PENN COLLEGE STUDENTS TO BEST PREPARE THEM TO JOIN YOUR TEAM?
Take advantage of everything Penn College has to offer, from classroom to lab, internship to senior project, mentorship to interview skill training! We are excited to meet you, so come check us out at the next career day and get to know our company!
Industry Connections
Chad Johnson, 95'
Facilities Manager, ELLWOOD National Forge
Programs
Applied Technology Studies
Push your passion one step further with a bachelor's degree in Applied Technology Studies.
Apprenticeship Technology
Earn credits from your apprenticeship experience and apply them to a career-boosting degree.
Automated Manufacturing & Machining
Hone the technical skills you need to be a part of a rapidly growing career field.
Electrical
Learn all the ins and outs of electrical and automated systems, training in specialized labs using equipment just like the pros.
Electronics & Computer Engineering Technology
Choose from a host of interconnected, yet diverse majors, ranging from automation and computer engineering to electronics and robotics.
Engineering & Industrial Design Technology
Spark ideas that improve processes and impact outcomes.
Information Technology
Take the lead in a thriving career field that connects us all.
Welding & Metal Fabrication
Perfect your skills in our expanded 55,000-square-foot lab.