GACTC celebrates graduates from postsecondary diploma programs

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On June 18, 2024, the GACTC celebrated the accomplishments of 50 adult students that successfully completed several postsecondary career-training diploma programs with a ceremony at the GACTC. Graduates, GACTC administration, staff, faculty, Joint Operating Committee members, families, and friends attended to recognize the graduates’ accomplishments. Mr. Eric Palmer, Executive Director, provided congratulatory remarks to the graduates. Several graduates shared messages to the graduates and attendees, including:

Aaron Cassidy, Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning program
Alicia Hurd, Medical Assistant program
Kylie Smith, Welding with Print Reading program
Faith Warwick, Expanded Function Dental Assistant program

Julie Patosky, Continuing Education Coordinator, applauded the graduates’ dedication and commitment to their career training programs, and stressed the importance of skilled employees in these professions in our region. “The knowledge and skills you’ve gained during your time in our rigorous training programs at the GACTC are vitally needed and valued within our community. We thank you for stepping up to the challenge to fill the necessary and in-demand occupations in our community. Through hours of practical training with hands-on simulations and numerous opportunities to build your skills in your selected trade, you’ll make an immediate positive impact in your industry” commented Mrs. Patosky.

Graduates completed training in the following diploma programs:

Automotive/Diesel Technology
Electrical Trades
Expanded Function Dental Assistant
Heating, Ventilation, & Air Conditioning
Medical Assistant
Powersports & Equipment Technology
Precision Machining
Welding with Print Reading

Students had the opportunity to gain industry-valued certifications as part of these career-training programs including the following:

From the Automotive/Diesel Technology program:
- Ford Automotive Career Exploration
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
- PA Emission Certification
- PA Safety Inspector Category 1, 3
From the Electrical Trades program:
- Fluke Digital Multimeter Basic Certification
- OSHA
- Telehandler/Mobile Elevated Work Platform Certification
From the Expanded Function Dental Assistant program:
- CPR & First Aid
- OSHA
- Radiation Health and Safety certification
- State of Pennsylvania Expanded Function Dental Assisting Licensure
- Infection Control Exam Component of the Dental Assisting National Board
- Certified Dental Assistant
From the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning program:
- EPA 608
- North American Technician Excellence (NATE) Core
- OSHA
From the Medical Assistant program:
- CPR & First Aid
- OSHA
- Certified Medical Assistant through American Association of Medical Assistants
- Certifications through the National Healthcareer Association:
  - Certified Clinical Medical Assistant
  - Certified Medical Administrative Assistant
  - Certified Phlebotomy Technician
  - Certified EKG Technician
  - Certified Medical Billing and Coding Specialist
From the Powersports & Equipment Technology program:
- OSHA
- PA Emissions Certification
- PA Safety Inspector Category 1, 3
From the Precision Machining program:
- OSHA
- National Institute for Metalworking Skills Level 1
From the Welding program:
- OSHA
- American Welding Society GMAW 2W, FCAW 3G, and SMAW 3G

Graduates received additional recognition of their efforts and achievements from local and regional employers. The GACTC is appreciative of the generosity of our industry partners for their contributions to our programs and graduates, including the following organizations: