The Westmoreland-Fayette Building and Construction Industry Partnership and the Westmoreland-Fayette WIB sponsored three Construction Camps for seventh and eighth graders in Westmoreland County this June. The camps were held at Northern Westmoreland Career and Technology (NWCTC), Eastern Westmoreland Career and Technology Center (EWCTC), and Central Westmoreland Career and Technology Center (CWCTC). A total of forty-two Westmoreland County students participated in each weeklong camp, which featured hands-on activities in the building and construction trades, field trips to Triangle Tech and the Western PA Operating Engineers and a visit to a road construction site.

Though each Career and Technology Center featured different hands-on activities, students were exposed to masonry, electricity, carpentry, and heavy equipment operation. Each student received a tool kit so they might continue practicing their newfound skills at home. The tool kits were donated by members of the Building and Construction Trades Industry Partnership. Industry partnership funds made the camps possible, and several members donated both time and resources to make the week a valuable experience.

The Building and Construction Industry Partnership believes that investing in career exploration is an investment in their future workforce. Special thanks to Heidi Petrosky, Westmoreland County Area Labor Management Committee; staff at EWCTC, NWCTC, and CWCTC; Jason Koss, Constructor’s Association of Western PA; Steve Columbus and his trainers at the Western PA Operating Engineers Joint Apprenticeship Training Program; Dave Scullio and staff at Golden Triangle Construction Company; Carol and Harry Brady and staff at C.H. & D. Enterprises; Charlie Fry, Plumbers and Pipefitters; and Triangle Tech. Also, thanks to Jeff Behr and Bruce Corna from Kacin Industries; Mike Cluss, O.C. Cluss; Dan Palone, I.B.S.; Matt Cardello, Cardello Electric and C.H. & D. Enterprises for tool donations!

In addition to hosting a Construction Camp, Eastern Westmoreland Career and Technology Center piloted the first Health Care Careers Camp for the Westmoreland-Fayette WIB. It was such an overwhelming success that we hope to expand it to additional CTCs next year. The seventh and eighth grade students took courses to become American Red Cross certified in First Aid, CPR, and AED. They attended a field trip to West Penn Hospital’s STAR Center, a first-rate simulation lab. Westmoreland County Community College also hosted the group and provided them with information and hands-on experiences in a variety of health care fields. Guest speakers also visited camp to share their knowledge of physical therapy, EMS, and Biomedical Technology. Though she doesn’t practice medicine, a visit from Sadie, the Bomb Dog, was a major highlight. Rich Ponko, her handler, happens to be a paramedic as well as a police officer. He offered an excellent explanation of career ladders in the health care field! The camp was funded by the Westmoreland-Fayette Health Care Industry Partnership. Students received a first aid kit to take home and keep for any summer emergency that may arise.

Special thanks to Joe Herbert and Lori Firestone from the WIB, EWCTC staff, Lt. Col. Rich Ponko and Sadie, Mutual Aid EMS; Beth Lininger, Barclay Rehabilitation Excela Health System; Myron Hartman, Jake Tometsko, and Wes Donohue, Penn State New Kensington; Kathy Malloy and staff at WCCC; Donamarie N. Wilfong and staff, West Penn Allegheny Health System.