‘Find your niche’: Lycoming Career and Technology Center expansion project praised | News, sports, jobs

The center has 330 students enrolled in courses ranging from automotive technology and computers to health professions, culinary arts and criminal justice. This number has increased by around 30 to 35 students compared to last year, not including students who are on the waiting list.

“In the past there were waiting lists in the automotive industry. We have seen waiting lists in the catering industry. We had waiting lists in early childhood education and criminal justice this year. You know, our programs were full. Enrollments were really good. I think the expansion projects will really open up some spaces and opportunities for more students who want to be here to participate.” said Nathan Minium, Managing Director.

“I think there is an awareness of career and technical education and a change in the thinking behind it. It’s no longer about technology. The vocational and technical training is aimed at all students. Whether you’re going into work or studying, these opportunities can prepare you.” he added.

Students from various career paths were on hand to share their experiences and thank local legislators who helped secure a $5 million Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program grant toward the estimated $14 million cost project.

Nathan Minium, executive director of the Lycoming Career and Technology Center, speaks Wednesday about the school’s expansion plans in Hughesville. KAREN VIBERT-KENNEDY/Sun Gazette

For Emma Neidig, a second-year student of the automotive course, the expansion of the location means an expansion of the range of courses in her field of study – particularly in the areas of diesel and welding.

“I think adding the other program will really help more kids have more opportunities to learn because just like me, I knew nothing and then this opportunity came up and I came to Lyco and it helped me a lot . ” she said.

Benton-area resident Trevor Meek spoke with Sen. Gene Yaw, R-Loyalsock, one of the lawmakers who was instrumental in securing the grant for the expansion project.

“I find it very informative” Meek said to Yaw. “I came in here knowing next to nothing, and now I’m unable to take apart every single vehicle I see.” “But he can do some things,” he said, before Yaw joked: “It’s really easy to take them apart, but difficult to put them back together.”

“I really enjoy what I do” Meek continued. “I really appreciate you helping the school I love so much expand.”

Lycoming Career and Technology Center Automotive assistant Eric Hall, left, and student Emma Neidig, right, talk Wednesday about the programs offered at the Hughesville school. KAREN VIBERT-KENNEDY/Sun Gazette

Meek talked about the different areas of study he was offered during his time at the school, such as engine tuning and engine disassembly.

Yaw shared that when he was Meeks’ age, he used to tear engines apart, but “I have no idea what’s making her leave now.”

Yaw also recalled his involvement at Williamsport Area Community College, the forerunner of the Pennsylvania College of Technology.

“I’ll give you a little history. My involvement in technical education goes back longer than most of you have lived, and it started with an organization called Williamsport Area Community College. Most of you have never, perhaps never, heard of it. The Williamsport area. The community college was sponsored by 20 school districts, and let me tell you, it was difficult to get 20 school districts to agree on anything. Imagine that the budget of 180 people is approved. You went to a school district, and if they changed it, you had to go back and start over.” Yaw said.

Yaw admitted that when the idea of ​​Lyco CTC was first presented to him, he thought: “Okay, here we go again. A whole bunch of school districts are going to come together and it’s going to be ugly.”

“That didn’t happen and I’m really encouraged by that… I’m just glad it’s working. And to see how many students participate is amazing. I’m obviously still involved in that because I’m at Penn College now – I’m chairman of the board – when you talk about welding and the need for it, our welding program is on the waitlist until next year. When I say next year, I mean fall 2025, the program is already full. So you are dealing with an area where there is huge demand. So I mean, thank you very much for making it work. I suspect that from a legislative perspective we like to see things that actually work. And of course I think that’s the case, so thank you very much.” Yaw said.

Eric Hall, an instructor in the automotive program, pointed out that many of the students who come to this program don’t come there because they want to be auto technicians.

“They want to be in an industry like agriculture, industrial engines, diesel, general agriculture and industrial welding, in both directions. That being said, of the 84 kids who come here every day, there are probably 20/25 of them who already want to work in one of these two fields. And that also leaves room for the 15 or 20 who are on our waiting list, who are already in our program and/or have been accepted into one of these two programs. So instead of having a waiting list of people trying and wanting to be here, we can sort them into the right curricula that they want and then we can accept more… I think that’s huge and that just comes from that automotive industry field,” Hall said.

“Lyco CTC has been a great place for students to find their niche and passion. “Our staff really helps develop students for the world of work.” Minimum said.

Brandon Flannery is one of the students who found their niche at Lyco CTC and is now an instructor at the school in the computer program.

“When our ninth grade tours take place in December and January every year, that was kind of my address to each and every one of them. I was here a year late, I was here in 11th and 12th grade. But to be honest, I had no idea what I wanted to do after high school.” Flannery said.

“You know, in middle school, eighth and ninth grade, you’re just like… ‘I have to write all these English reports and math is really terrible.’ You’re just kind of getting through, and then I came here on the tours, oh, I might as well check it out. And really, it was the 10 or 15 minutes of the computer tour… But I can’t even remember what I felt that day because it was just wow, suddenly it really clicks.” he said.

The instructor at the time was showing the students a few things on the tour when suddenly something clicked, as many current students reported.

“Back then we were really more interested in desktops and laptops, but since we were only there for a few minutes and had a few demos, I went home and tore up the computer and all the stuff I had. ‘Oh, wow, suddenly that makes sense'” he said.

According to Minium, the school is working with the architects to prepare construction documents for the tender.

“We are hopeful that we can secure our bonds that we need to cover the grant, but we are anticipating the spring of ’25 to submit our bids.” he said.

“Our priority will be to expand new programs and expand our offerings to include welding technology and diesel technology. We also intend to expand and renovate the facilities to allow more students to participate in the programs we currently run.” he added.