WILLOW GROVE, Pa. – Governor Tom Wolf is touting the state’s PAsmart program, a $70 million initiative designed to help students get hands-on training for jobs in high-demand industries.

(PHOTO: Photo courtesy Venango Technology Center.)

“The vo-tech of the past has been transformed into advanced career and technical centers where students can get an education and develop real-world skills,” said Governor Wolf on Monday at the Eastern Center for Arts and Technology in Willow Grove, Pa. “There isn’t a one-size-fits-all path for every high school student and CTCs give students options to choose which path is best for them. After graduation they can continue their education in college or a job training program or enter the workforce.”

There are more than 80 CTCs in Pennsylvania that offer a combination of classes and hands-on learning in programs approved by the Department of Education. Thousands of students earn industry credentials or certifications for local jobs in high demand, so they graduate on a path for success.

In our region, career centers are located in Shippenville (Clarion County), Oil City (Venango County), Warren (Warren County), Mercer (Mercer County), New Castle (Lawrence County), Reynoldsville (Jefferson County), Meadville (Crawford County), Butler (Butler County), Ford City (Armstrong County), and Indiana (Indiana County).

The governor’s groundbreaking PAsmart initiative is investing $70 million over two years to expand science and technology education, apprenticeships and industry partnerships, including $10 million for CTCs.

Since Governor Wolf took office the number of CTC students has increased by more than 27 percent and the number of students earning industry-recognized credentials has increased by 34 percent.