Longtime Partnership Celebrated

Tuesday, October 2, 2018

Pennsylvania College of Technology, Williamsport, PA

Representatives from Lycoming Engines and the Penn College community gathered on October 2nd to dedicate the Lycoming Engines Metal Trades Center sign on the front lawn of the facility. This facility also serves as the College’s authorized training center for Lycoming Piston Engine Service School, in which instruction takes place annually for more than 200 participants worldwide.

“Efforts to increase S.T.E.M. studies in schooling are important, but its also important to train the workforce that supports these efforts”, said Mike Kraft, Lycoming Engines Sr. VP and General Manager during the sign unveiling and dedication event at Pennsylvania College of Technology.

Constructed in 1980, the 26,802-square-foot Lycoming Engines Metal Trades Center is home to tool and die making, metal trades and the college’s welding labs, along with various classrooms and offices. Lycoming Engine’s relationship with the company dates to the 1930s, when industrial education coursework that would eventually become the foundation of one of the college’s predecessors, Williamsport Technical Institute.

During the dedication, Mike Kraft spoke to the mutual benefits between Lycoming Engines and Penn College. “The relationship we have between our two entities is a model ecosystem for how educational institutions and companies can engage and yield positive long-term results for the community.  We are happy to be able to support the needs of the Aviation program by donating engines to help them train the next generation of airframe and powerplant mechanics.  We are happy to be able to provide scholarships for students in manufacturing programs.  We are happy to lend support on advisory panels to help keep Penn College’s curriculum consistently up to date.  Most of all, we are happy that we can hire Penn College students who can hit the floor running and make a positive impact to our business almost immediately.”, said Kraft. “With this incredibly rich history guiding us, we believe it is appropriate to update the name of the Metal Trades Center and the sign that welcomes students, faculty, staff and visitors to this wonderful instructional facility,” said College President Davie Jane Gilmour. “We thank you, Lycoming Engines, for investing in the future of our students as they become tomorrow makers.”

Lycoming looks forward to a continued long-lasting partnership with Penn College and is excited to see their experienced graduates join our industry and community.