On June 17, 2025, the GACTC celebrated the accomplishments of 70 adult students that successfully completed several postsecondary career-training diploma programs with a ceremony at the Altoona Area High School auditorium. Graduates, GACTC administration, staff, faculty, Joint Operating Committee members, families, and friends attended to recognize the graduates’ accomplishments. Mrs. Nicole Zernick, Executive Director, provided congratulatory remarks to the graduates. Several graduates shared messages to the graduates and attendees, including:

  • Hunter Knisely, Collision Repair & Refinishing Technology program
  • Shelby Hunter, Dental Assistant program
  • Kenneth Jones, Heating, Ventilation, & Air Conditioning with Related Plumbing & Electrical program
  • DorieSue Walker, Medical Assistant program
  • Elizabeth Long, Welding with Print Reading program

Julie Patosky, Continuing Education Coordinator, applauded the graduates’ dedication and commitment to their career training programs, and stressed the importance of skilled employees in these professions in our region. “The knowledge and skills you’ve gained during your time in our rigorous training programs at the GACTC are vitally needed and valued within our community. We thank you for stepping up to the challenge to fill the necessary and in-demand occupations in our community. Through hours of practical training with hands-on simulations and numerous opportunities to build your skills in your selected trade, you’ll make an immediate positive impact in your industry” commented Mrs. Patosky. 

Graduates completed training in the following diploma programs:

  • Automotive/Diesel Technology
  • Automotive Technology
  • Cabinetmaking/Finished Carpentry
  • Carpentry/Construction
  • Collision Repair & Refinishing Technology
  • Culinary Arts
  • Dental Assistant
  • Electrical Trades
  • Heating, Ventilation, & Air Conditioning (HVAC) with Related Plumbing & Electrical
  • Medical Assistant
  • Welding with Print Reading

Students had the opportunity to gain industry-valued certifications as part of these career-training programs including the following:

  • From the Automotive/Diesel Technology program:
    • Automotive Service Excellence Certifications (ASE)
    • EPA 609
    • Ford ACE (Automotive Career Exploration)
    • OSHA 10
    • PA Emissions Certification
    • PA Safety Inspector Category 1, 3
    • S/P2 (various)
    • Subaru – U
    • Toyota Certification Program
  • From the Automotive Technology program:
    • EPA 609
    • Ford ACE (Automotive Career Exploration)
    • OSHA 10
    • PA Emissions Certification
    • PA Safety Inspector Category 1, 3
    • S/P2
    • Subaru – U
  • From the Cabinetmaking/Finished Carpentry program:
    • OSHA 10
    • PA Builders Association Skills Certificate
  • From the Carpentry/Construction program:
    • Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP) Operator
    • OSHA 10
    • PA Builders Association Skills Certificate
    • Residential Construction Academy (RCA) National Registry
    • Telehandler Operator
  • From the Collision Repair & Refinishing Technology program:
    • EPA 609
    • Ford ACE (Automotive Career Exploration)
    • I-CAR (various)
    • OSHA 10
    • PA Emissions Certification
    • PA Safety Inspector Category 1, 3
    • S/P2
    • Subaru – U
  • From the Culinary Arts program:
    • Certified Fundamentals Cook (CFC)
    • OSHA 10
    • ServSafe Allergens
    • ServSafe Food Handler
    • ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification
  • From the Dental Assistant program:
    • Certified Dental Assistant through the Dental Assisting National Board
    • OSHA
    • Radiation Health and Safety certification
  • From the Electrical Trades program:
    • Fluke Digital Multimeter Basic Certification
    • Generac Generator Certification
    • OSHA
    • Telehandler/Mobile Elevated Work Platform Certification
  • From the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning program:
    • EPA 608
    • North American Technician Excellence (NATE) Core
    • OSHA
  • From the Medical Assistant program:
    • Certified Medical Assistant through American Association of Medical Assistants
    • Certifications through the National Healthcareer Association:
      • Certified Clinical Medical Assistant
      • Certified Medical Administrative Assistant
      • Certified Phlebotomy Technician
      • Certified EKG Technician
      • Certified Medical Billing and Coding Specialist
    • OSHA
  • From the Welding program:
    • American Welding Society Certifications GMAW 2W, FCAW 3G, and SMAW 3G
    • OSHA

Graduates received additional recognition of their efforts and achievements from local and regional employers. The GACTC is appreciative of the generosity of our industry partners for their contributions to our programs and graduates, including the following organizations:

• Alto Markets / Forno Alto

• Dale Oxygen

• Dr. Charles Dombrowski DMD PC

• Drs. Kurtz and Kurtz Family Dentistry

• Gampe Machine & Tool Co., Inc.

• McLanahan Corporation

• Pfeffer Orthodontics

• Schultz Company

• Scott Electric

• Stuckey Automotive

• T&L Moore Enterprises (Russell Tire / Central PA Truck)

• Thaler Family Dentistry

• The Uniform Place

Photos from the ceremony may be viewed using the “View All Photos” button above. Photos may be downloaded for free. Please contact the Adult Education Office with questions at adulted@gactc.edu or 814.941.8324.

On August 14, 2025, a graduation ceremony will be held for our Practical Nursing graduates. Congratulations to all of our graduates!