GACTC News

GACTC hosts Cooperative Education and Internship Luncheon

On May 5, the GACTC hosted a Cooperative Education and Internship luncheon to celebrate the accomplishments of our co-op and internship students, to recognize the commitment of the employers and supervisors who provide the hands-on real-life exposure so that the students can continue learning in the field, and to honor the excellent education that is provided by the professional teachers at the GACTC.   This year the luncheon was attended by over 130 students, employers, and educators. The keynote speaker for the event was Cory Wilson, Vice President of Curry Supply Company. Altoona High School Brody Albright HVAC/R Signature Services [...]

GACTC hosts Cooperative Education and Internship Luncheon2023-05-17T18:09:17-04:00

GACTC honors outstanding seniors in Senior Awards

On May 11, 2023 the GACTC hosted the Senior Awards Banquet! Students who received scholarships, awards, and the "Senior of the Year" award in their respective programs were honored. More than 300 people attended the awards, and $27,100 in scholarships was awarded! Outstanding Seniors of the Year Administrative Office Specialist: Natalie Marketta, Hollidaysburg Automotive Technology: Trevor Wolfe, Altoona Automotive/Diesel Technology: Reese Rinker, Bellwood-Antis Baking & Pastry Arts: Brenna Cokrlic, Altoona Cabinetmaking/Finished Carpentry: Nicholas Rhodes. Central Carpentry/Construction: Garrett Baumgartner, Altoona Collision Repair & Refinishing Technology: Hunter Hollopeter, Altoona Computer & Networking Technology: Aiden Gregg, Altoona Computer Programming: Charles Lantz, Altoona Cosmetology: Harlie [...]

GACTC honors outstanding seniors in Senior Awards2023-05-15T10:56:26-04:00

Lt. Gov. Davis visits the GACTC

The GACTC welcomed Lt. Gov. Austin Davis (above left, with Executive Director Eric Palmer) on April 27, where he spoke on the importance of funding for career and technical training. Executive Director Eric Palmer, Lt. Gov. Davis, Commissioner Burke, Bob Kutz, Andrea Lascoli, and Chelsea Gibbons spoke at the event. (Photo and video credit: Commonwealth Media Services).

Lt. Gov. Davis visits the GACTC2023-05-02T14:04:42-04:00

The GACTC adds adult education programs to meet the needs of area students and employers

The GACTC continues to respond to the needs of area students and employers by adding new adult education programs and virtual or hybrid options for existing programs. Today the school announced these additions for the 2023-2024 academic year: Electrical Trades Diploma Program: This adult-only program will train students to install, troubleshoot, and service electrical equipment and systems. The 900-hour program will teach electrical theory and provide hands-on experience, providing students with the knowledge and skills necessary to obtain employment in this in-demand field, which is classified as a High Priority Occupation (HPO) by the state. Industry-recognized credentials, such as OSHA training, [...]

The GACTC adds adult education programs to meet the needs of area students and employers2023-04-11T12:10:04-04:00

Financial Aid 101 webinar to focus on options for financing career training

The GACTC adult education office and the Blair County CareerLink have collaborated to provide a free webinar focusing on financial aid for individuals considering postsecondary (college and career training) education. During the webinar, the GACTC financial aid coordinator will review the basics of the financial aid process, types of funding, and next steps. The free webinar will be offered at 12 pm EST on the following dates in 2023: February 10 April 14 June 9 August 11 October 13 December 8 Preregistration is required for the webinar. To register for the webinar, please contact the Blair County CareerLink at (814) 940-6200 [...]

Financial Aid 101 webinar to focus on options for financing career training2023-02-14T10:36:48-05:00

SkillsUSA kickoff assembly held at the GACTC

The SkillsUSA kickoff assembly at the GACTC was a big success, with students excited to be back together to show their support for the organization! The State Director of SkillsUSA, Dodie Amigh, joined us for the kickoff event.

SkillsUSA kickoff assembly held at the GACTC2022-11-07T15:30:05-05:00

The GACTC schedules Open House for Dec. 6

The GACTC is welcoming potential students, their families, and members of the public to an Open House on Tues., Dec. 6 from 5:00-7:00 pm! Instructors will be on hand to discuss our more than 25 programs for high school and adult learners. Adults will have the opportunity to discuss financial aid options with administrators, too. Welcome!

The GACTC schedules Open House for Dec. 62022-10-24T12:53:54-04:00

Garrett Baumgartner places 8th in national SkillsUSA competition

Garrett Baumgartner, a student at the Greater Altoona Career and Technology Center (GACTC) in the Carpentry program, recently placed eighth in the national SkillsUSA Championships. The competition took place at the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference, which was held June 20-24 in Atlanta. Garrett Baumgartner and Pam Kenawell Baumgartner, who is a rising senior at Altoona High School, was one of 44 qualifiers in the day-long competition. Competitors were tasked with building a frame, deck, roof, and stairs for a small house, as well as the installation of a window. “I couldn't be happier to see what this [...]

Garrett Baumgartner places 8th in national SkillsUSA competition2022-07-14T10:52:56-04:00

Allegheny Trucks, Inc. donates a diesel truck to the Greater Altoona Career & Technology Center

(Altoona, PA): Allegheny Trucks, Inc. has donated a preowned diesel truck to the Greater Altoona Career & Technology Center (GACTC) to offer students hands-on learning to examine, diagnose, and repair diesel vehicles. GACTC students in the Automotive Technology, Collision Repair & Refinishing Technology, and Automotive/Diesel Technology programs will be able to work on the truck. “The industry is in critical need for trained and skilled technicians more than ever. The field takes on ever-changing technologies year after year,” said Larry Sherry, Service Manager for Allegheny Trucks. “In this day and age a mechanic who can repair and understand the basics of [...]

Allegheny Trucks, Inc. donates a diesel truck to the Greater Altoona Career & Technology Center2022-06-13T14:08:02-04:00

GACTC recognizes 247 seniors in Senior Ceremony

The Greater Altoona Career & Technology Center (GACTC) held its Senior Ceremony on May 19 at the Blair County Convention Center, honoring all 247 seniors finishing programs of study at the GACTC. Students, families, school board members, and GACTC faculty were in attendance, along with sending school superintendents, principals, assistant principals, and counselors. Photo gallery of the event The seniors honored were: Altoona Area High School: Madison Adelsberger Darion Amos-Burchfield Anastazia Barschefski Logan Bartlebaugh Piper Bastian Isabella Baughman Dylan Baughman Lucas Berkheimer Savannah Blazer Samantha Boose Mackenzie Brandt Ariana Brewer Jacob Bumberger Esther Butler Anthony Campagna Nathaniel Carnell Andan Clingerman James [...]

GACTC recognizes 247 seniors in Senior Ceremony2022-05-26T10:19:27-04:00
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