WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. — Pennsylvania College of Technology has recognized the support of longtime partner West Pharmaceutical Services Inc., a global leader in innovative solutions for injectable drug administration, with the naming of a lab in the school’s Electrical Technologies Center.
A gift from West resulted in the college’s automation lab being christened the West Automation Lab. The facility — featuring industry-standard equipment and software — is primarily for students seeking an associate degree in either electrical technology or mechatronics technology. Students often use those programs as a pathway to obtain a bachelor’s degree in majors such as building automation engineering technology and automation engineering technology: mechatronics.
“The name recognition is befitting a company that has been supporting Penn College philanthropically since 2001,” said Elizabeth A. Biddle, senior director of grant management. “West’s recent donation geared to the college’s electrical programs is the latest manifestation of a valued partnership that has benefited the college in several ways.”
In addition to serving on the college’s advisory committee for electrical programs, West has played an important role in the development and success of the polymer engineering department and the Plastics Innovation & Resource Center (PIRC). Graduates of both the polymer technology associate degree and the polymer engineering technology bachelor’s degree have a 100% overall job placement rate. The PIRC is one of the top plastics technology centers in the nation for research, development and education. West sponsors the PIRC’s annual extrusion seminar and hands-on workshop.
The company’s support extends to an endowed scholarship through the Herman O. West Foundation. West also routinely facilitates tours for the college’s various summer camps, introducing K-12 students and teachers to modern manufacturing.
A Corporate Tomorrow Maker and member of the Visionary Society ($100,000 - $499,999) on the college’s Donor Wall, West has manufacturing facilities located near Penn College in Williamsport and Jersey Shore.
“We are pleased to continue our long-standing partnership with Penn College and proud to have our name represented on the West Automation Lab. This program will help students learn highly demanded skills, providing them with necessary hands-on experience to set them up for a successful career,” said Adam Wrench, senior director of global strategic programs at West and a 2006 Penn College alumnus.
“As automation technology becomes more advanced and sophisticated, we need to ensure we have a strong pipeline of candidates who can fill these critical roles, helping to design, implement, operate and update the complex automation systems used within our manufacturing process,” Wrench added. “Penn College has always supported the technical landscape as it has evolved, highlighting their strength to provide highly skilled and educated technical resources to the industry, which has enabled West to provide rewarding career opportunities for their pipeline of graduates and apprentices.”
West has recruited Penn College students for decades, employing nearly 50 alumni from a variety of academic disciplines. Many West employees have also benefited from Workforce Development at Penn College. During the past five years, Workforce Development has trained more than 500 West staff through apprenticeships and custom programs. One of those apprentices, Cranston J. Shearer, was the first to complete the college’s apprenticeship technology associate degree.
“We are blessed to have such a valued partner in our backyard,” Biddle added. “West’s commitment to the college as well as the workforce of today and tomorrow is truly inspiring. The company’s continuing support is deeply appreciated.”
Penn College is a national leader in applied technology education. Visit pct.edu, email admissions@pct.edu or call toll-free 800-367-9222.