Penn College opens new Pittsburgh training facility

Pennsylvania College of Technology has opened a new “Penn College at Pittsburgh” training site, marking an important step in growing the state’s workforce for building performance.

The facility, located at 7800 Susquehanna St., Pittsburgh, will expand training opportunities for Pennsylvania’s energy-efficiency and weatherization industry while helping to meet the increasing demand for resilient building practices.

College leaders, state officials and industry partners gathered for an open house to celebrate the site and highlight the power of strong partnerships in workforce training. The effort connects hands-on instruction with job opportunities and community impact.

The facility will serve as a practical training hub for building performance education. Trainees will gain the skills needed to improve home energy efficiency, lower utility costs and support healthier, more sustainable housing.

“This facility is an investment in people and communities,” said President Michael J. Reed. “Through strong partnerships and forward thinking, we are expanding access to high-quality training that prepares workers to meet important energy and housing needs.”

Richard P. Vilello Jr., deputy secretary of community affairs and development for the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, noted the role workforce programs play in strengthening local economies and advancing energy efficiency goals across the state.

Alison A. Diehl, vice president for Penn College Workforce Development, said the new site supports the college’s focus on career-ready education.

Guests gather to celebrate the opening of the "Penn College at Pittsburgh" training site, which will expand opportunities for Pennsylvania's energy-efficiency and weatherization industry. In attendance were, from left, Rick Vilello, state Department of Community and Economic Development deputy secretary for community affairs and development; Karen Benner, director of building performance programs, Pittsburgh Gateways; Don Evans, CEO and president, Pittsburgh Gateways; Kyle A. Smith, vice president of college relations, Penn College; Alison A. Diehl, vice president for Penn College Workforce Development; Kathy Rulli, director for DCED's Weatherization Assistance Program; Penn College President Michael J. Reed; Jenna Fox, executive assistant for DCED's Center for Reinvestment programs; Jason K. Embick, executive director, Penn College Workforce Development building performance; Michael Lafferty, DCED director of strategic initiatives; Patrick Marty, chief government and international relations officer, Penn College; Nicholas Horting, deputy director for DCED's Center for Residential Reinvestment programs; Lori Straub, deputy director for DCED's Whole Home Repairs Program; and Khari Mosley, City of Pittsburgh, Councilman District 9.

“The site allows us to deliver hands-on training that prepares people for real jobs,” she said. “By supporting weatherization workers and building performance professionals, we are creating clear paths to meaningful employment.”

Jason K. Embick, executive director of Penn College Building Performance, emphasized the facility’s hands-on design.

“The labs reflect real-world conditions,” Embick said. “Participants will build the skills and confidence needed to conduct energy audits, complete upgrades and ensure safe, efficient home systems.”

Visitors toured the facility and took part in live demonstrations of its training tools. Highlights included a test house demonstration using a blower door and infrared camera to show air leaks and energy performance.

A presentation during the event outlined the project’s development and the collaboration between public agencies, educators and industry partners. Funding from the DCED played a key role in making the facility possible, demonstrating the state’s commitment to workforce development and infrastructure improvement. A partnership with Pittsburgh Gateways Corp. further expands access to training and career opportunities in the region.

Penn College at Pittsburgh is positioned to become a vital resource for energy efficiency training, supporting individuals at every stage of their career journeys – from initial career exploration to advanced upskilling. By serving both new entrants and experienced workers seeking to deepen their expertise, the facility focuses on building performance and weatherization to help reduce energy use, improve housing affordability and strengthen sustainable, resilient communities across Pennsylvania.

The new site is an extension of the college’s programs that are offered in residential and commercial energy efficiency, workforce readiness, and electrification and solar photovoltaic technology. Other training lab locations are in Williamsport, Latrobe and Harrisburg.

To learn more about Penn College Workforce Development, visit www.pct.edu/wd.

For information about Penn College, a national leader in applied technology education, email Admissions or call toll-free 800-367-9222.