The Greater Altoona Career & Technology Center (GACTC) became aware of allegations related to Executive Director, Eric Palmer, on November 8, 2024. The GACTC takes the allegations seriously and took appropriate action in the interim. The GACTC will fully cooperate with any investigation. Mrs. Nicole Zernick will be serving as Interim Executive Director.

High School Programs

Graduates from adult Welding program earn American Welding Society certifications

Graduates of the 2023-2024 adult Welding with Print Reading diploma program at the Greater Altoona Career & Technology Center (GACTC) completed testing in May 2024 for several American Welding Society (AWS) certifications. Graduates had the opportunity to achieve up to three certifications from AWS including GMAW 2G, SMAW 3G, and FCAW 3G. The GACTC is an Accredited Test Facility through AWS. These certifications are valued by regional employers. Fifteen adult students participated in the AWS certification testing, and the results included: 12 earned the SMAW 3G certification 13 earned the FCAW 3G certification 3 students earned the GMAW 2G certification Three [...]

Graduates from adult Welding program earn American Welding Society certifications2024-06-20T13:01:53-04:00

2023 – 2024 Senior Ceremony

Congratulations to the amazing Class of 2024! On May 21, we held our Senior Ceremony at the Blair County Convention Center, and it was a night filled with plenty of pride. We'd love to share some highlights from the evening! Check out our full gallery to see our students shine on their special day. View Photo Gallery

2023 – 2024 Senior Ceremony2024-06-17T12:14:56-04:00

GACTC student Garrett Baumgartner wins national SkillsUSA competition

Garrett Baumgartner of the GACTC won the gold medal in the Carpentry competition at the national SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference. Baumgartner was one of four GACTC students to participate in the national conference, which was held June 19-23 in Atlanta. “Being able to say that I am the #1 high school carpentry student in the country is very cool. My co-op experience this year really helped me to work on my carpentry skills,” Baumgarter said. “None of this would be possible without my advisors and all of their support throughout all of my SkillsUSA competitions. SkillsUSA is a great [...]

GACTC student Garrett Baumgartner wins national SkillsUSA competition2023-07-18T15:00:52-04:00

Adult & high school welding students earn American Welding Society certifications

Students in the Welding high school and adult programs at the Greater Altoona Career & Technology Center (GACTC) completed testing in May 2023 for several American Welding Society (AWS) certifications. GACTC students in the high school and adult welding programs had the opportunity to achieve up to three certifications from AWS including GMAW 2G, SMAW 3G, and FCAW 3G. The GACTC is an Accredited Test Facility through AWS. These certifications are valued by regional employers. Six adult students participated in the AWS certification testing; five earned the SMAW 3G certification, six earned the FCAW 3G certification, and four students earned the [...]

Adult & high school welding students earn American Welding Society certifications2023-07-18T12:53:33-04:00

2022 – 2023 Senior Ceremony Photos

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2022 – 2023 Senior Ceremony Photos2023-07-18T12:54:55-04:00

The GACTC hosts Senior Ceremony

On May 23, the GACTC celebrated the completion of programs for hundreds of area students. We're so proud of all of them — for their hard work, their passion and dedication and for being a wonderful part of the GACTC. Congratulations and best of luck in your futures, seniors!

The GACTC hosts Senior Ceremony2023-06-14T13:20:48-04:00

GACTC hosts Cooperative Education and Internship Luncheon

On May 5, the GACTC hosted a Cooperative Education and Internship luncheon to celebrate the accomplishments of our co-op and internship students, to recognize the commitment of the employers and supervisors who provide the hands-on real-life exposure so that the students can continue learning in the field, and to honor the excellent education that is provided by the professional teachers at the GACTC.   This year the luncheon was attended by over 130 students, employers, and educators. The keynote speaker for the event was Cory Wilson, Vice President of Curry Supply Company. Altoona High School Brody Albright HVAC/R Signature Services [...]

GACTC hosts Cooperative Education and Internship Luncheon2023-05-17T18:09:17-04:00

GACTC honors outstanding seniors in Senior Awards

On May 11, 2023 the GACTC hosted the Senior Awards Banquet! Students who received scholarships, awards, and the "Senior of the Year" award in their respective programs were honored. More than 300 people attended the awards, and $27,100 in scholarships was awarded! Outstanding Seniors of the Year Administrative Office Specialist: Natalie Marketta, Hollidaysburg Automotive Technology: Trevor Wolfe, Altoona Automotive/Diesel Technology: Reese Rinker, Bellwood-Antis Baking & Pastry Arts: Brenna Cokrlic, Altoona Cabinetmaking/Finished Carpentry: Nicholas Rhodes. Central Carpentry/Construction: Garrett Baumgartner, Altoona Collision Repair & Refinishing Technology: Hunter Hollopeter, Altoona Computer & Networking Technology: Aiden Gregg, Altoona Computer Programming: Charles Lantz, Altoona Cosmetology: Harlie [...]

GACTC honors outstanding seniors in Senior Awards2023-05-15T10:56:26-04:00

14 GACTC students compete in state SkillsUSA competition

Fourteen GACTC students competed in the 55th 2023 SkillsUSA State Leadership and Skills Conference Competition, which was held on Apr. 12-14 in Hershey with more than 1400 students, advisors, and administrators from career and technology schools across the state. To qualify to participate, GACTC students had to have earned Gold Medals at the district SkillsUSA competition, which was held in January. SkillsUSA is a career and technical student organization serving more than 395,000 members every year enrolled in trade, technical, and skilled service training programs across the country. Seven GACTC students medaled in the state competition, and a GACTC student was [...]

14 GACTC students compete in state SkillsUSA competition2023-04-18T14:42:44-04:00

GACTC inducts 72 students into the National Technical Honor Society

On Feb. 8 the Greater Altoona Career & Technology Center (GACTC) inducted 72 students into the National Technical Honor Society (NTHS), an educational nonprofit that honors, recognizes, and empowers students and teachers in career and technical education. In order to be eligible for membership in the NTHS, the student's previous year grades need to average a 93% or higher at the GACTC, and 85% or higher at their sending school. They are also required to have 10 or less days absent and no behavior referrals for the previous year. The students are: Last name First name Grade Sending school [...]

GACTC inducts 72 students into the National Technical Honor Society2023-02-14T11:25:42-05:00
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