Skilled electricians are in high demand. Electrical trades offer diverse opportunities, and a chance to do fulfilling, hands-on work daily. And it’s rewarding, too. In Pennsylvania, the median wage for electricians is over $30 per hour. At the GACTC, the Adult Electrical Trades Program, led by experienced instructor John Petrilla, we prepare our students to enter this field and kickstart a terrific career. John—a seasoned electrician with experience ranging from working in the building trades to being an electrician in the military, and even starting his own independent electrical business—finds the GACTC to be an ideal environment for his [...]

Today’s job market is rapidly evolving, with more and more emphasis on highly-skilled workers. The GACTC has historically supported both our students and the region’s workforce needs by training our students in the latest technologies and skills their field demands. We don’t just provide the tools and training necessary to succeed — we provide the resources for our students to thrive. Kim Ciccarella, our Post-Secondary Recruitment, Retention, and Placement Specialist, is part of the team that leads these efforts. Kim enjoys introducing new and prospective students to the Greater Allegheny Career & Technology Center (GACTC). She wears many hats: [...]

The demand for skilled dental professionals is on the rise. For students seeking a fast-paced, rewarding career in healthcare, the Dental Assistant diploma program offers an excellent pathway. With a strong emphasis on hands-on learning and a focus on patient care, our program equips students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this dynamic field. Since 2011, the GACTC has been fortunate to have Jamie Hershey lead our postsecondary Dental Assistant and Expanded Function Dental Assistant (EFDA) programs. A graduate of the GACTC’s Dental Assistant program, Jamie has worked in the dental field since 1986 and her [...]

The healthcare industry is experiencing a surge in demand and Medical Assistants are a vital part of keeping offices and clinics running smoothly. These are the people who lessen the day-to-day burden on doctors and nurses by handling administrative and clinical tasks.Jamie Zurenko is the Medical Assistant Program Coordinator and Instructor at the Greater Altoona Career and Technology Center (GACTC), preparing her students to enter into the in-demand field. And her students come away with a wide range of knowledge to help them in the medical field. In our area, there’s a great need for phlebotomists and [...]

Welding is more than a well-paying, in-demand career — it’s an art form. And like any other craft, learning from someone who has mastered the skills and techniques can make all the difference. Tim Harris has been the welding instructor at the GACTC since 2008, leading high school and adult programs. Tim has worked as a welder in the industry since he was 18 years old, securing employment across many industries, including railroad, nuclear, manufacturing, and building trades as both a welder and an inspector. In his career, he would often be tasked with taking an item—such as a [...]

Stephanie Weaver, a Registered Nurse (RN) by trade, has been a Practical Nursing Instructor at the GACTC since 2021. She joined our program after working in the medical field her entire adult life, specializing in general medical surgery and in-patient rehabilitation. Her dedication to the care of patients led her to her role as an instructor because it allowed her to help nurture the next generation of nurses entering the workforce. The skills she developed throughout her healthcare career have positioned her to teach her students various necessary skills. Working on the floors in a [...]