The economy is changing, and the change is benefitting us all. There is an increased demand for skilled workers in today's regional businesses and industries. The Marcellus Shale discovery has been all-important to the development of the local economy.
WACTC is ready. Our students are being prepared using the latest equipment and technologies for the world of work they will encounter, and we will all benefit from their training. Our instructors are teeming with knowledge and experience. The curricula in place are up-to-date, and our students routinely acquire industry-recognized certifications and licensing. To other educators, STEM is an acronym; at WACTC it is an operational mode. It is the way the workplace operates, and it is the way our students are being prepared to work.
Soon we will be breaking ground for a new, large, state-of-the-art Welding facility. Our Medical programs are being upgraded and expanded. The Mechatronics program is off to a good start, and the Networking program is modernizing and expanding content and opportunities for students. I could go on and on.
If I sound proud, it's because I am. Our young men and women are using the education and training they receive here and are representing us very well.
And yet, none of this could have happened without the support of our Advisory Committees, the communities and school districts we serve, various Washington County organizations and government officials. Thanks for all you do for our students. You can continue to hire our graduates with confidence.
Dr. Joseph P. Iannetti
Director of Vocational Education