College Honored for Role in Students' Building-Code Certification

Two groups of Pennsylvania College of Technology students were recently on hand when the School of Construction & Design Technologies was honored by the International Code Council for participation in the Certification of Achievement program, which puts a recognized career-building tool into the hands of construction-related majors.



"The ICC’s certificate program offers students the unique opportunity to learn how to navigate and comprehend the codes associated with their discipline," said Jim Ellwood, an ICC consultant. "Penn College has an outstanding reputation for developing and providing students with the tools to enter the workforce as construction professionals upon graduation. The COAs that students obtain upon completing the associated coursework can open doors to a variety of careers and enhance career opportunities."

Joined this past week by Ellwood were students of Harry W. Hintz Jr., instructor of construction technology, and Rob A. Wozniak, associate professor of architectural technology. Hintz teaches the Construction Codes course (BCT 305) and Wozniak's students are enrolled in his Codes, Specifications and Estimating class (ACH 241).

"The ICC would like to thank Marc E. Bridgens, dean of construction and design technologies for his exceptional support of his instructors and for providing his students the tools needed to meet the demands of the construction professional into the next generation," Ellwood said. "We look forward to continuing our support and expanding the ICC’s certification programs at Pennsylvania College of Technology."

The college was the nation's first to participate in the COA initiative and, since it was adopted two years ago, the program has spread to other institutions and been endorsed by the Pennsylvania Builders Association.

“Codes are designed to provide safety and guard the welfare of the public. Those in the construction field that hold a strong understanding of building codes and their practices are leaders in their chosen industry," Bridgens said. "Having the opportunity to share these ideals with students, as well as educating them on proper techniques, gives them an edge in the employment field.”