A new industrial maintenance program has officially launched at the Hazleton Area Career Center, equipping students with essential skills required for careers in local distribution centers. On a recent day in class, Gianni Tommaro successfully illuminated a light bulb by wiring a circuit from a power source, demonstrating the hands-on learning approach of the program.
The initiative aims to prepare students for diverse roles in maintenance, covering topics such as electricity, pneumatics, hydraulics, software, print reading, HVAC, and construction. As instructor Kevin Moore explained, “They will be a jack-of-all-trades. You’re going to know a lot about everything.” Moore, who took charge of the program in January 2024, previously spent 24 years at Urana Engineering in Hazleton, where he designed machinery and provided training.
Meeting Local Industry Demands
The industrial maintenance program is gaining traction due to the increasing demand for skilled maintenance workers among local industries, including AutoZone, Samsung, Niagara, and Cargill. Robert Hebel, a colleague of Moore’s, noted that every local company requires maintenance personnel, highlighting the significant employment opportunities available. He stated, “At our local industries, it’s the best job we get in this town, but nobody’s trained.”
Maintenance positions offer competitive salaries, typically ranging from $55,000 to $70,000 annually, and can lead to even higher earnings with experience. A former student now manages a local plant, reportedly earning double that amount. Ed Shemansky, the school board president and a self-employed contractor, expressed the urgent need for trained workers, recalling companies reaching out to the district for candidates with mechanical skills.
Shemansky suggested the creation of the industrial maintenance shop a few years ago and advocates for early exposure to vocational training for students as young as seventh grade. He emphasized, “There’s a great opportunity now for this generation to get good jobs. I want to make sure students are aware of what they could be doing without going to college to make a good living.”
A Hands-On Learning Experience
The program began with nine sophomores, with eight continuing in their training this year. Moore plans to expand the program to accommodate between 45 and 60 students across grades 10 to 12 annually. He is developing a three-year curriculum to prepare students for a certification exam recognized by prospective employers.
Using practical demonstrations, Moore illustrates complex concepts, such as Ohm’s law. He noted, “I can show them the math, but the kids will be bored. But when I show them on the test stands how this works, then they’re like, ‘Oooh.’ They love these test stands.” The program incorporates software that enables students to solve problems as they practice their skills on various equipment.
Students have expressed enthusiasm for the program. Erick Rosario remarked on its practical approach compared to other vocational classes, stating, “In this area, they’re asking for a ton of people.” Tommaro initially sought to enroll in the construction program but found the industrial maintenance course intriguing due to its breadth of knowledge.
Another student, William Alvarado, transitioned from the machine shop to the industrial maintenance program after realizing it better suited his interests. He is now taking first and second-year courses simultaneously and hopes to pursue a career in robotics after graduation. Similarly, Steven Tavarez envisions a future as a plant maintenance technician but currently balances his studies with a career in fashion design.
As the Hazleton Area Career Center’s industrial maintenance program prepares students for the workforce, it not only responds to local industry needs but also provides young individuals with valuable skills to secure well-paying jobs in a rapidly evolving job market.
