Engineering Technologies Articles

"Imagine a world without concrete," levels alumnus Joe DiBucci, building construction technology instructor at Penn College. (Impossible!) This energized episode of the "Tomorrow Makers" podcast brings loads of laughs and lots of insight about the world's most widely used building material — concrete. Have a listen to "Concrete Science."

For the second consecutive year, a contingent of students from Northern Ireland will visit Pennsylvania College of Technology as part of a cultural exchange program. Twelve students and two faculty from North West Regional College are scheduled to be in the area April 2-16 and spend most of that time on the Penn College campus.

"Concrete Science and Careers,” offered to K-12 FFA instructors by faculty experts from Pennsylvania College of Technology, is already yielding positive impacts – including plans for a more in-depth session for the teachers later this spring. Faculty offered instructor workshops on three Saturdays during the Pennsylvania FFA’s “Agricultural Cooperation Establishes Success” Leadership Conference near Harrisburg.

Representatives from Klein Tools experienced Penn College’s electrical program on Wednesday. A Corporate Tomorrow Maker, the company plans to feature the Penn College footage on its website, YouTube channel and social media outlets. Klein Tools is building engagement with postsecondary students to combat the skills gap.

Students in the Decorative Concrete class, taught by Joe F. DiBucci, recently visited Lycoming Vault & Precast in Montoursville. The company produces a variety of precast concrete products, from septic tanks to light pole bases. “Traveling to a precast concrete plant was a great opportunity for the students to be able to see a different side of the industry,” said DiBucci.

Calling all information technology, engineering technology and building construction students! Two employers are recruiting this Thursday. Penn College students and alumni looking for employment opportunities and internships should stop by these employer information tables and bring your resume.

An alumni-owned and operated business recently held an open house at its Montoursville facility, and Penn College leaders were among those attending the event, organized by the Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce. A custom trailer manufacturer, Transport Custom Designs showcased its facilities and innovative designs, with company president Joseph H. Reynolds touring the Penn College visitors.

Students in grades K-12 are the beneficiaries of a $40,000 gift from the EQT Foundation, the philanthropic extension of EQT Corp., the nation’s largest producer of natural gas. The funds are supporting two Pennsylvania College of Technology programs – the Tinker Camp and the Community Arts Center’s Educational Series. Each initiative is receiving $20,000.

Penn College’s Wayne R. Sheppard, assistant professor of construction management, and student Noah H. Jumper, of Shippensburg, were quoted in an article published in the March issue of Construction Executive magazine. In a story titled “Generation Yes: Recruiting today’s construction management students,” Sheppard and Jumper, a senior in the construction management major, offered insight to employers looking to hire upcoming construction management graduates.

Ellyn A. Lester, assistant dean of construction and architectural technologies for Pennsylvania College of Technology, was honored as a Construction Champion by Construction Dive, a leading industry publication. The annual list recognizes the most inspiring women leaders throughout the commercial construction industry. “Ellyn’s entire career has focused on talent: identifying it, leveraging it and nurturing it,” her nominator wrote.