Publication features college’s efforts to support plastics industry

An article published this week by PlasticsToday highlights Penn College’s efforts to alleviate a significant workforce shortage in the polymers industry.

In the article, titled “Plastics Industry Faces Critical Worker Shortage Crisis,” writer Andrew Kaplan reports on the challenge of attracting young people to the field, noting that 28.3% of the plastics manufacturing workforce are 55 years old or older, while only 10.3% are under age 25.

The article includes interviews with Brad Webb, dean of the School of Engineering Technologies, and Reagan G. McCoy, polymers program manager for Penn College Workforce Development, and explains several Penn College initiatives, including the availability of customized training to help companies prepare entry-level employees to fill more technically advanced roles; two Plastics Process Technician Apprenticeships that allow workers to earn credentials by attending remote lectures and completing hands-on training at their workplace; and a new one-year certificate in polymer processing.

Penn College also offers a bachelor’s degree in polymer engineering technology and an associate degree in polymer technology. Graduates have an overall job placement rate of 100%.

PlasticsToday reports on relevant news, trends and technologies impacting the half-trillion-dollar global plastics market.