Grainger Foundation Grant | 2007 School of Distinction | 2005 School of Distinction | Clarion University Agreement | State Representative Visits Greensburg | 2004 School of Distinction | First Graduation at Sunbury School | New Location | Quecreek Miners | Welding | Slippery Rock Scholarship | Slippery Rock Articulation
What's New
The Grainger Foundation Awards $10,000 Grant to Support Triangle Tech Students
(Pittsburgh) December 17, 2008 – The Worksmith Institute recently received a $10,000 grant from The Grainger Foundation to support scholarships for students enrolled in the Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) program at Triangle Tech. The grant was made based upon a recommendation from Jim Stobart, Grainger’s local Branch Manager in Pittsburgh. The scholarship grant will help meet the demand for skilled workers in this fast-growing field.
The check presentation took place at the Triangle Tech campus in front of students and school leaders in conjunction with a tool safety seminar sponsored by Grainger, a local distributor of facility maintenance supplies, and conducted by a representative of Stanley Proto Tools.
"Grainger has a strong commitment to technical education and we are proud to support The Worksmith Institute and Triangle Tech and their goal to build a skilled workforce in Pittsburgh,” said Stobart. “We believe that investing in local students is one of the best ways to invest in the future of our community."
With baby boomers preparing to retire from the ranks of the skilled work force in Pittsburgh and across the nation, a growing number of labor experts are raising concerns that there is a shortage of workers with the critical skills required to replace them.
"Our school and our students will gain a lot from our relationship with Grainger”, said Triangle Tech President, Tim McMahon. “We enhance our access to industry leaders and our students gain exposure to Grainger’s industry partners."
For more information about Grainger’s community involvement please visit www.grainger.com/community or contact Kelly France at (847) 410-5638 or at kelly.france@grainger.com.
For more information about Triangle Tech, visit www.triangle-tech.edu or call us at 1-800-874-8324.
About Grainger:
W.W. Grainger, Inc. (NYSE: GWW), with 2007 sales of $6.4 billion, is the leading broad line supplier of facilities maintenance products serving businesses and institutions in the United States, Canada, Mexico, China and Panama. Through a highly integrated network including more than 600 branches, 18 distribution centers and multiple Web sites, Grainger's employees help customers get the job done. More information about Grainger and its local community involvement is available at www.grainger.com/community.
About The Worksmith Institute/Triangle Tech
Worksmith Institute is a charitable and educational organization which is dedicated to assisting students who wish to pursue a technical education.
Triangle Tech has been providing post-secondary technical training for 64 years and has locations in Pittsburgh, Greensburg, Erie, DuBois, Sunbury and Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Triangle Tech offers Associate in Specialized Technology Degree Programs in Architectural and Mechanical Computer-Aided Drafting and Design Technology, Carpentry and Construction Technology, Maintenance Electricity and Construction Technology, Refrigeration, Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Technology, and Welding & Fabrication Technology.
Triangle Tech is licensed by the State Board of Private Licensed Schools, Pennsylvania Department of Education and is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Career Schools and Colleges of Technology.
Pictured Front Row (Left to Right): Steve Flaherty - RHVAC Instructor, Jim Stobart - Grainger Pittsburgh Branch Manager, Tim McMahon - President, Triangle Tech, Mark DeBoe - RHVAC Instructor; Pictured Back Row - Triangle Tech RHVAC Students
Triangle Tech’s Erie School Named 2007 School of Distinction
Erie, PA - Triangle Tech’s Erie PA school has been awarded the School of Distinction award for 2007 by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology. This is the second time that the school has achieved this honor.
In 2004, Triangle Tech’s Erie school was one of five schools operated by the Triangle Tech Group that have received the School of Distinction Award from the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology. The award recipients in 2004 were Triangle Tech, Pittsburgh, PA; Triangle Tech, Erie, PA; Triangle Tech, Greensburg, PA; and Triangle Tech, DuBois, PA. In 2005, Triangle Tech, Sunbury, PA received the award.
The School of Distinction Award recognizes ACCSCT accredited schools which have demonstrated a commitment to the expectations and rigors of ACCSCT Accreditation Standards, as well as, a commitment to delivering quality educational programs to the students, graduates and employers that deserve a school’s best work. Through this award, the Accrediting Commission recognizes the importance of this significant achievement, which includes completing the accreditation process without stipulation.
ACCSCT will present the School of Distinction award to Triangle Tech’s Erie school at its Professional Development Conference, which will be held in San Francisco, California in October, 2007.
The Triangle Tech Group is headquartered in Pittsburgh and operates schools in Pittsburgh, Erie, Greensburg, DuBois, Sunbury and Bethlehem, PA.
Triangle Tech-Sunbury School Named 2005 ACCSCT School of Distinction
Sunbury, PA - At its June 2005 Annual Business Meeting, the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology ("ACCSCT") will recognize Triangle Tech located in Sunbury, Pennsylvania as a 2005 ACCSCT School of Distinction.
The ACCSCT School of Distinction Award recognizes those accredited member schools that have demonstrated a commitment to the expectations and rigors of ACCSCT accreditation, as well as a commitment to delivering quality educational programs to the students, graduates and employers that deserve our best work. Through this award, it is ACCSCT's intent to recognize the importance of this significant achievement, including completing the accreditation process without stipulation and having been timely in the submission of the fees and reports required of an ACCSCT accredited institution.
In 2004 the School of Distinction Award from the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology was awarded to four other of Triaingle Tech's schools. They are Triangle Tech, Pittsburgh, PA; Triangle Tech, Erie, PA; Triangle Tech, Greensburg, PA; and Triangle Tech, DuBois, PA. The 2005 award to the Sunbury school constitutes the fifth Triangle Tech school to receive the "School of Distinction " award.
Clarion University - Venango Campus Signs Agreement with Triangle Tech
Oil City, PA - Clarion University of Pennsylvania has signed an agreement with The Triangle Tech Group that will allow students to earn an Associate of Applied Science in Industrial Technology degree from Clarion University with a technical concentration provided through Triangle Tech.
"We at Triangle Tech are proud to be a part of this program at Clarion University's Venango Campus. We will partner with the university to deliver high-quality workforce education that is gravely needed in the region. Students will surely benefit from this alliance and we thank Dr. Reber and his colleagues for the opportunity to participate," said Timothy J. McMahon, President of Triangle Tech.
The Triangle Tech concentrations add the possibility of career preparation in computer-aided drafting & design (CADD); refrigeration, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning; carpentry and construction; maintenance electricity and construction technology; welding and fabrication technology, and a sequence of technology subjects tailored for the individual student.
"My colleagues and I are delighted to announce this new opportunity for workforce development in our region," said Dr. Christopher M. Reber, executive dean of the Venango Campus. "Triangle Tech is the sixth partner in our applied technology program, which continues to grow dramatically and now offers 25 industrial concentrations. We are grateful for the support of the community, and want to especially thank Representative Fred McIlhattan for his help in making this and other partnerships a reality."
McIlhattan said, "I am pleased to have played a major role in developing this private/public partnership between Clarion University and the Triangle Tech Group. This partnership will support my initiative to develop post-secondary technical education for northwestern Pennsylvania through Clarion University.
"Clarion University's Department of Applied Technology is now positioned to instruct people in our region in the skilled trades and technical skills and technology necessary to grow and expand our economy and provide for good family- sustaining jobs."
Launched in 2003 in response to a critical need for specialized technical education in the region and beyond, the Department of Applied Technology utilizes a creative partnership approach designed to prepare students for a career path leading to a wide range of opportunities and leadership positions.
Under this unique model, students complete general education and business courses at Clarion University-Venango Campus and the technical component of the degree through licensed, certified, accredited and/or otherwise approved technical education providers.
The Department of Applied Technology is headed by Victor W. Bowser, a seasoned professional with years of experience in senior managemnet positions. Bowser has developed curricula and taught at several colleges, including a stint at Clarion University in the 1980's.
"When it comes to attending their technical classes, students will find that they are working in smaller, personal learning communities," said Professor Bowser. "The experienced craftsmen have a mentor's flair and students will extract value from every session."
The Triangle Tech Group, founded in Pittsburgh in 1944, is a well-established, multipurpose technical and business institution with campuses in Pittsburgh, Erie, Greensburg, DuBois, and Sunbury, Pennsylvania. It is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology, is licensed by the Pennsylvania State Board of Private Licensed Schools, and is authorized to award the Associate in Specialized Technology Degree by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
Clarion University-Venango Campus, located in Oil City, PA, is the oldest regional campus in Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Education. The campus provides high-quality educational programs and personalized services to help students succeed. Students can earn an associate degree, a bachelor's or master's degree in select areas, obtain a one-year certificate or participate in a variety of professional development and personal enrichment courses. The campus is home to Clarion University's School of Nursing and Allied Health and its Department of Applied Technology. Clarion University- Venango Campus is committed to serving the needs of the community.
State Representative Tom Tangretti Visits Greensburg School
Recently, State Representative Tom Tangretti and his Legislative Assistant, Amy Emili visited Triangle Tech’s Greensburg school. They were hosted by Triangle Tech Vice President of Admissions John Mazzarese, Greensburg School Director Kurt Stridinger, Director of Career Advising Lisa Capuzzi and the school’s Assistant Director Teresa Trathowen.
During the visit, Representative Tangretti discussed employment opportunities, retraining of dislocated workers, as well as career advising and placement assistance available to our students and graduates. Mr. Tangretti toured Triangle Tech's main school on Pittsburgh Street, as well as the RHVAC facility on Blank School Road. These facilities house classrooms, computer labs, electrical labs, carpentry labs, refrigeration, heating, ventilation and air conditioning labs, and computer-aided drafting and design labs. Mr. Tangretti also visited the site of the new Carpentry building that is being constructed on Wilson Avenue. The new building is a state of the art carpentry shop with over 6000 square feet of space which has a 24-foot ceiling, allowing Triangle Tech students to construct full size houses and other structures indoors, year-round.
State Representative Tangretti was very impressed with Triangle Tech. "I was really impressed with the professionalism of the administrative staff and faculty as well as the significant number of programs available to the students. But most impressive was their placement rate which is truly remarkable." He was especially interested in the ongoing project in our Architectural Computer-Aided Drafting & Design department involving the Rails to Trails Program wherein the students from Triangle Tech provided site surveying services and designed the external deck for the Environmental Education Center in West Newton.
Triangle Tech Schools named 2004 ACCSCT Schools of Distinction
Four schools operated by the Triangle Tech Group recently received the School of Distinction Award from the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology. The award recipients are Triangle Tech, Pittsburgh, PA; Triangle Tech, Erie, PA; Triangle Tech, Greensburg, PA; and Triangle Tech, DuBois, PA.
The School of Distinction Award recognizes ACCSCT accredited schools which have demonstrated a commitment to the expectations and rigors of ACCSCT Accreditation Standards, as well as, a commitment to delivering quality educational programs to the students, graduates and employers that deserve a school’s best work. Through this award, the Accrediting Commission recognizes the importance of this significant achievement, which includes completing the accreditation process without stipulation.
ACCSCT presented the School of Distinction awards to Triangle Tech at its Annual Business Meeting, which was held in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The Triangle Tech Group is headquartered in Pittsburgh and operates schools in Pittsburgh, Erie, Greensburg, DuBois and Sunbury, PA.
Students Commence Future- Triangle Tech Graduates First Sunbury Class (Article: Daily Item Newspaper)
Sunbury, PA - The Sunbury campus of Triangle Tech, which recently marked its one-year anniversary, graduated its first Maintenance Electricity and Construction Technology class on Saturday, February 28, 2004.
Sunbury campus director Jess Null issued the degrees with the assistance of Tim McMahon, president of Triangle Tech; Robert Bernini, vice president of education; and John Mazzarese, vice president of admissions.
The six students who earned degrees were Jeffrey Buckwash, Coal Township, along with Bonnie Gnerre, Craig Hassinger, John Karge II, Kevin Knoebel and John Nungesser, all of Sunbury.
Triangle Tech was founded in Pittsburgh in 1944 and operates a multi-purpose technical and business institution with schools in Pittsburgh, Erie, Greensburg, DuBois and Sunbury.
The Triangle Tech Group is committed to offering students a comprehensive training program, administrators said.
Programs at the Sunbury campus include the Maintenance Electricity and Construction Technology program, which offers and Associate in Specialized Technology degree. A Residential and Light Commercial Electricity diploma program is set to begin on Monday, March1, 2004 and will be offered three nights a week.
Carpentry and Construction Technology will be available in June.
Triangle Tech’s programs are maintained in accordance with the standards of industry, business, and education in order to prepare its graduates for productive careers, Triangle Tech officials said.
The instructors at the Sunbury school include Dave Yonkin, Jeremy Smith, Ed Miller, Keith Cagigas and Karen Miccio.
Triangle Tech officials said that as they researched a location in central Pennsylvania, they found Sunbury to be an "outstanding area."
Triangle Tech Opens New School in Sunbury, PA
The Triangle Tech Group opened its newest school in Sunbury, PA in October 2002. Classes began on October 21, 2002 in the Maintenance Electricity and Construction Technology curriculum. The Sunbury school is Triangle Tech’s first school in Central Pennsylvania. In addition to the Maintenance Electricity program, school officials are discussing plans for the future, which include the possible addition of programs in Carpentry and Construction Technology or Refrigeration, Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning.
"We have been interested in a Central Pennsylvania location for a long time," said James R. Agras, CEO of The Triangle Tech Group. "Sunbury and the Central Susquehanna Valley is a high energy area that is poised to attract new industry. We want to be the trainer of choice for technicians in the region."
Triangle Tech’s Sunbury school staff consists of the following highly skilled and talented professionals: Deborah Hepburn, Acting Director; Debbie Showers, Admissions Receptionist; Christine Palacz, Financial Aid Representative; Kristine Clark, Admissions Representative; David Yankin, ME Instructor; and Karen Miccio, ME Instructor.
Triangle Tech Offers Nine Rescued Quecreek Miners Scholarships
The Pennsylvania Department of Education recently granted Triangle Tech approval to offer full tuition scholarships to the nine rescued workers from the Quecreek Mine in Somerset, PA. Triangle Tech has ACCSCT-accredited locations in Pittsburgh, Greensburg, Erie, DuBois, and Sunbury, PA.
Triangle Tech has maintained a long-standing relationship with the United Mine Workers of America, and in years past has offered training services to their members. According to school President Tim McMahon, "It is through pride in that relationship and our support and respect for the nine rescued miners who may care to change careers that we offer these scholarships." When reached for comment, Dr. Carol D’Amico, assistant secretary, office of vocational and adult education with the Department of Education, noted, "The nine mine workers have another chance to a happy ending thanks to Triangle Tech’s generosity."
Pittsburgh School Adds Welding And Fabrication Program
Triangle Tech is proud to announce the addition of a new program to its Pittsburgh school: Welding and Fabrication Technology. This occupation offers excellent job prospects, as employers report difficulties in finding workers with the necessary skills and knowledge. "Companies are reporting drastic shortages of high-skilled welders, especially those with certifications," said Bob Bernini, Vice President of Academics for the Triangle Tech Group. "In fact, according to regional economic development studies, one of the largest industry needs is in metal working. To complement the precision machining programs we already offer, welding is a logical addition to our curriculum."
Offered at Triangle Tech's DuBois school since 1982, the Welding and Fabrication Technology program is very successful. As part of the program, students take the ANSI/ AWS D1.1 Structural Steel Welding Code certification test, which certifies them to work on buildings, bridges and tubular structures found in today's construction and manufacturing industries. Students also take the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Section IX Welders certification test. This certifies graduates to work on boilers, pressure vessels and critical piping systems. Both tests require a high degree of skill and are conducted by independent laboratories. On a national average, about four out of 10 professional welders are AWS certified, and five out of 100 are ASME certified. Triangle Tech graduates' weld certification pass rate has been at 100% for the past three years.
Although the Welding and Fabrication Technology program is currently approved as a diploma program, the school intends to seek approval for the Associate in Specialized Technology degree. Once achieved, "Triangle Tech will have the only Associate in Specialized Technology degree in welding being offered anywhere in the region," added Mr. Bernini. "This program is very field specific. Students are trained in every facet of welding processes and techniques."
According to a report by the National Association of Manufacturers, "The challenge for the future is not guaranteeing that there will be enough quality, high-paying jobs, but that there will be enough quality, highly skilled workers to fill the demands of the 21st century." Graduates of the Welding and Fabrication Technology program may find work in a multitude of industry-related jobs, such as welding technicians, supervisors, inspectors, or instructors. Some experienced welders open their own repair shops.
Triangle Tech's brand new, state of the art facility features 20 welding bays and is equipped with the industry's most recent, high tech equipment. The entire shop, located at One Perry Plaza, has been designed and built to AWS standards for certified shops.
Triangle Tech Establishes Scholarship At Slippery Rock University
Slippery Rock, PA - Officials at the Triangle Tech Group in Pittsburgh have presented the first of a series of planned contributions to Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania to establish the Triangle Tech Scholarship at the university as part of an on-going link between the two schools.
All Triangle Tech graduates taking advantage of the articulation agreement signed in February between the schools, which guarantees Triangle Tech graduates credit transferability to the university's applied technology management program, will are eligible to apply for the scholarship. The program leads to a bachelor of science degree in applied science.
Triangle Tech is a multipurpose degree-granting technical and business institution with schools in Pittsburgh, Erie, Greensburg, DuBois and Sunbury. The scholarship provides the recipient a monetary award at Slippery Rock University. The amount of the award will vary based on the fund balance.
"I am delighted that Triangle Tech officials have chosen to establish this scholarship to benefit their graduates at Slippery Rock University. The link between our institutions is further strengthened by this program which provides additional opportunities for Triangle Tech graduates electing to further their education here. Slippery Rock University's student-friendly transfer program, combined with this scholarship opportunity, will certainly be important incentives for Triangle Tech graduates considering a four-year degree," said SRU President G. Warren Smith in accepting the scholarship.
"We are pleased with our connection to Slippery Rock University," said James Agras, Triangle Tech's chief executive officer, adding, "The creation of this scholarship demonstrates to our students that we are dedicated to their long-term development and our evolving relationship with Slippery Rock University. It also shows our clear emphasis on the acquisition of knowledge and skills, both intellectual and social, that help our students deal with the rigors of professional life. We will encourage our graduates to consider continuing their education at Slippery Rock University and urge them to apply for the Triangle Tech Scholarship."
The scholarship plan calls for annual contributions, allowing one student to be added each year. The scholarship carries a 3.0-grade-point requirement.
In signing the historic articulation agreement earlier this year, it was noted the agreement was the first such collaboration for SRU in guaranteeing credit transfers from a private career school to the university.
Triangle Tech and Slippery Rock University Sign a Historic Articulation Agreement
Recently, Timothy J. McMahon, President of the Triangle Tech Group, and Dr. G. Warren Smith, President of Slippery Rock University, signed a historic articulation agreement. This agreement is a major achievement for Triangle Tech, marking a first in academic collaborations that will guarantee transferability of credits from Triangle Tech to the University.
As a result of this agreement, graduates of Triangle Tech's Pittsburgh, Erie, Greensburg, and DuBois schools who have earned their associate in specialized technology degree and have met the terms of the agreement, will benefit from an automatic transfer of credits to Slippery Rock University in order to complete their bachelor's degree. This agreement will also apply to graduates of Triangle Tech's Business Careers Institute, a satellite location of Triangle Tech, Greensburg.
Tim McMahon, president of Triangle Tech, says, "Slippery Rock's decision to enter into this first proprietary school articulation agreement with Triangle Tech demonstrates the leadership position that the university has taken to provide holders of specialized associate degrees the opportunity to pursue a baccalaureate education through a generous transfer of credits."
"This agreement is very significant to graduates of Triangle Tech's specialized associate degree programs because it guarantees transferability of their credits to Slippery Rock and enables them to complement their technical education with professional and liberal arts courses and earn a bachelor's degree without starting over", McMahon added.
This agreement will be beneficial to two types of students at Triangle Tech. The first is students who choose Triangle Tech because they were labeled as "non-college" bound in high school. However, many students are surprised to discover that they are "college material" and not only do they enjoy learning but they are encouraged by their experience at Triangle Tech to go on for their bachelor's degree. The second group who will benefit are graduates of Triangle Tech who have been employed as technicians and want to further their education in order to advance in their careers.
Graduates of Triangle Tech will be eligible to enroll in Slippery Rock University's Applied Technology Management Program. Students will now be able to complement and enhance their associate degree with professional and liberal art courses, and also a minor in business administration and earn a Bachelor of Science Degree in Applied Science.
Classes are offered at Slippery Rock University's Wexford Campus. Dr. Smith, president of Slippery Rock University, stated that, "we have positioned our new North Hills site at the Waterfront Corporate Park to offer is program, which is ideal for graduates of the Triangle Tech schools." Smith added, "Slippery Rock University is committed to providing the means by which Pennsylvania's capable and dedicated workforce may acquire the skills and knowledge to meet the needs of the region's new high technology, knowledge-based economy."
In conjunction with this agreement, the other western State System Universities, California, Clarion, Edinboro, and Indiana will be working with Triangle Tech and other degree-granting technical schools in Western Pennsylvania on a case-by-case basis to determine what course work will be transferable with their schools. It is the hope that this agreement will be the start of a long-standing commitment between private career schools and major universities.
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Grainger Foundation Grant | 2007 School of Distinction | 2005 School of Distinction | Clarion University Agreement | State Representative Visits Greensburg | 2004 School of Distinction | First Graduation at Sunbury School | New Location | Quecreek Miners | Welding | Slippery Rock Scholarship | Slippery Rock Articulation