ERIE — Paul Sculley knows the need for obtaining the latest education in manufacturing.
As general manager of Triangle Tool, the tooling and machining division of the Plastek Group of Erie, Sculley said a work force educated in the latest technology is critical for success in a global economy.
“We’re in a very competitive business,” he said. “We need a highly skilled and highly educated work force to stay competitive. We need more specialized training now as machines have advanced.”
Machines have evolved from controlled by hand into computer-controlled operations.
The problem for Sculley has been the ability to find convenient training in Erie for his workers — whether it’s basic instruction for a new hire or a skills improvement course for a long-time employee.
“We’ve not been able to get training (in Erie) on a consistent basis,” Sculley said. “We’ve had problems in the past — a class gets canceled because there’s not an instructor or not enough students.”
Meadville-based Precision Manufactur-ing Institute and Edinboro University of Pennsylvania announced Friday they’re teaming up to fill the need in Erie by offering manufacturing-related courses.
PMI, a 23-year-old industrial training center and teaching laboratory, will start offering classes Feb. 22 at Edinboro’s Porreco Center in suburban Erie.
Initial classes offered at the Porreco Center will include robotics operations and programming; industrial hydraulics; MasterCAM 2D, a manufacturing software; and geometric dimensions and tolerances in manufacturing.
“It’s our hope that this collaboration will provide the customized training needed to continue to make Erie’s manufacturing businesses competitive and, just as important, keep them in business,” said Dan Higham, chairman of PMI’s board of directors.
Edinboro and PMI have had a cooperative partnership for the past eight years in Meadville. They plan to continue their relationships with area business and industrial leaders to ensure the curriculum remains current and relevant.
“By offering these courses we are, in essence, manufacturing manufacturers,” said Jeremy Brown, Edinboro’s president. “It’s a shared vision which has brought our two institutions together, a win-win proposition for Erie residents and businesses.”
Local classes in Erie — especially in robotics — is good news for Sculley.
“We have robotics on seven of our (tooling) machines — we need to have people who know how to run them,” Sculley said.
Courses at the Porreco Center initially will be offered to Erie businesses and their employees with long-term plans to provide customized industrial training to the general public.
“We want to provide comprehensive technical education to the people of Erie,” Brown said.
Keith Gushard can be reached at 724-6370 or by e-mail at kgushard@meadvilletribune.com.
Local News
Related Photos
Discussion
PMI to offer classes at Edinboro's Erie campus
- Local News
-
-
Walker hired to fill Meadville's newest administrative position
The City of Meadville’s soon-to-be-newest administrator is a familiar name in the area and familiar with the city.
-
Edinboro protest planned against proposed state budget cuts
If you’re a student or faculty member at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, don’t be surprised if Trevor Belz, a sophomore from Saegertown, shares some strong opinions with you in the next few days — and urges your attendance at a campuswide protest planned for Tuesday.
-
Local legislators: Corbett budget off to a good start
Elected officials representing Crawford County in Pennsylvania’s Senate and House of Representatives are gearing up for what looks like a lengthy budget process.
-
Crawford Central's Heller says new budget plan hobbles school districts
Area educators haven’t had a lot of time to mull over the implications of the budget proposal presented Tuesday to a joint meeting of Pennsylvania’s Senate and House of Representatives by Republican Gov. Tom Corbett.
-
District Judge Chisholm nears record for ‘longest serving’
Magisterial District Judge William Chisholm is in line to set a new record by becoming Crawford County’s longest-serving magistrate.
-
Traveling breast cancer exhibit to make local stop
The Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition is bringing its traveling photo exhibit, “67 Women, 67 Counties: Facing Breast Cancer in Pennsylvania,” to Crawford County March 1 through 10.
-
Judge Chisholm’s memories run deep
Looking back over his 26 years as a district magisterial judge, Judge William Chisholm has many memories of special events — even some humorous ones.
-
Fire guts historic Vernon Township building
“Another landmark gone,” Sandy Porter of the Crawford County Historical Society said as he looked across the street at the large red-brick building gutted by fire early Sunday just outside Meadville’s city limits.
-
No snow? Road crews have plenty to keep them busy
Patching potholes, clearing ditches and readying equipment for spring projects: Those are a few of the ways area crews have been keeping busy in recent days as Mother Nature’s decidedly spring-like behavior has caused road departments to start switching gears.
-
News analysis: Romney proves he's tough and adaptable
Mitt Romney’s resounding win in the Florida GOP primary last week is a warning shot to any Democrats who think the former Massachusetts governor will be a soft target.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Walker hired to fill Meadville's newest administrative position
Man Killed in Courthouse Shootout
Video of Ga. Man Who Killed Girl Released
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
Ga Girl Fights Off Kidnapper at Walmart
Nevada Highway Patrol, City Settle Beating Case
White House Attacks Romney on Birth Control
Homs Bombardment Continues, Global Outcry Grows
Mo. Teen Gets Life Sentence for Killing Girl, 9
Lower-hassle Screening to Be Tested at Airports
Raw Video: Dog Rescued From Icy Colo. Water
Helmet Camera Captures Calif. Fire Rescue
Worker Tells 911: Powell 'exploded the House'
Triple Win: Santorum Takes Minn., Mo., Colo.
Injured Marine Inspired by Homecoming
No Rape Charges Against Son of NYPD Commissioner
Egypt's Ruling Generals Play Risky Game With US
Former Komen Exec Defends Funding Cut
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
Calif. Gay Marriage Ban Ruled Unconstitutional
Jury Selection for Ex-UVa Athlete Enters 2nd Day
