At Luzerne County Community College a welder technician course, typically completed in 12 months, covers welding techniques from the basic principles of metal cutting and rigging to safety guidelines and manufacturing management.
Shelby Ford Photo | Luzerne County Community College
After welders passes a performance test administered by an American Welding Society Accredited Test Facility (ATF), their certification will not lapse as long as they continue working in the field.
Shelby Ford Photo | Luzerne County Community College
For anyone who’s been a homeowner for at least a winter or two, this has probably happened to you: It’s cold outside, and you understand that. But why is the temperature dipping inside your house, too? Oh, no, check the furnace. It’s not working. Better call an expert.
When that happens, you’ll be glad to have a plumber or HVAC technician come to your rescue.
And you’ll be relieved to hear the welcome sound of your furnace roaring back to life after they fix it.
If you haven’t already developed an appreciation for the men and women of the skilled trade workforce, the ones who keep everything up and running, it may well be at that moment, as you start to feel the heat returning to your home, that you start to appreciate them.
From the medical assistants who might draw your blood or remove your stitches to the electricians who bring wiring up to code to the welders building a bridge, skilled trades workers are all around.
How do these people prepare for these necessary careers? Here is some information from Luzerne County Community College on how to get started, as well as information from PennDOT and Luzerne County on staying certified.
CDL / Transportation
The transportation industry continues to need qualified professional drivers. CDL training provides a direct pathway to employment in trucking, logistics, public transportation, and commercial operations. Successful drivers need strong safety skills, professionalism, communication skills, and knowledge of industry regulations.
Depending on what kind of CDL you seek, you might spend 160 hours over 8 weeks training for a Class A Automatic license or 200 hours over 10 weeks training for a Class A Manual license.
The training includes classroom instruction, developing skills on the driving range and actual road training.
In Pennsylvania, PennDOT requires that CDL drivers be recertified every four years. Every two years or more frequently if specified by a physician because of conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes or sleep apnea, you must pass a PennDOT physical.
HVAC
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning professionals are essential in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. Demand continues due to new construction, building maintenance, energy efficiency improvements, and the need to replace retiring workers. Certifications and hands-on experience help technicians advance in the field.
At LCCC, it is possible to earn a Heating and Air Conditioning Certificate in two semesters of hands-on learning and classroom theory. You also can work toward an associate’s degree in Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning Technology, which typically takes two years.
Welding
Welders play a critical role in manufacturing, construction, energy, and infrastructure. Employers value welders with strong technical skills, certifications, and the ability to work with advanced materials and processes. Welding also provides opportunities for specialization and advancement.
At LCCC, a welder technician course, typically completed in 12 months, covers welding techniques from the basic principles of metal cutting and rigging to safety guidelines and manufacturing management.
And, once you pass a performance test administered by an American Welding Society Accredited Test Facility (ATF,) your certification will not lapse as long as you continue working in the field.
Electrical
Electricians are needed across residential, commercial, industrial, and energy sectors. Training includes electrical theory, safety, codes, and hands-on application. Growth in automation, renewable energy, and technology continues to create opportunities.
After you complete an Electrical Construction Technology Certificate program, which typically takes two semesters at LCCC, you will be ready for a job as an electrician’s helper, lineperson’s helper or electrical parts counterperson. For the more experienced, there are opportunities as an industrial maintenance or construction electrician, and self-employment in residential or commercial wiring.
In Wilkes-Barre, the City Building Code Enforcement office in City Hall handles licenses for electrical instruction, which must be renewed annually.
Plumbing
Plumbers are essential for construction, maintenance, water systems, and infrastructure. Skilled plumbers combine technical knowledge, problem-solving, and hands-on expertise, with opportunities in both residential and commercial environments.
In the program for Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning Technology at LCCC, you can earn an Associate of Applied Science degree in two years. The program provides journeyperson-level training in both theoretical and practical aspects of plumbing. Included in the curriculum is an internship co-op program that places students with a local contractor for work experience.
In Wilkes-Barre, the City Building Code Enforcement office in City Hall handles licenses for plumbers, which must be renewed annually. Plumbers who perform more than $5,000 worth of residential work must also maintain registration with the PA Office of Attorney General, with renewal every two years.
Medical Assisting
Healthcare remains one of the region’s largest employment sectors. Medical assistants provide important support in clinical and administrative roles, and training prepares students for careers in physician offices, clinics, and healthcare organizations.
At Luzerne County Community College (LCCC), the Medical Assisting Certificate program is typically finished in about two semesters. If you choose to pursue the full Associate of Applied Science degree in Medical Assisting instead, the program takes two years to complete. During the first semester, you can expect to study basic anatomy, clinical procedures, medical terminology, and office procedures. Semester 2 would cover Clinical skills, pathophysiology, electronic health records, and keyboarding.
In the second year, while preparing for an associate degree, you would learn advanced laboratory procedures, insurance billing/coding, clinical practicum/externship, and general education courses.
The state of Pennsylvania does not require medical assistants to be certified or registered, but individual physicians or medical offices may. To retain recertification from the American Association of Medical Assistants, for example, you recertify every 5 years by earning 60 continuing education units (CEUs) or retaking an exam.
Local journalism matters, and your support makes it possible. You can help sustain this work by making a donation or choosing one of our subscription options. Subscribers enjoy valuable benefits, including full access to our e-edition, a reduced ad experience on timesleader.com, and more.
Your support helps ensure independent, high-quality local news remains available today and for future generations. Thank you for standing with local journalism.