Training a Regional Workforce
JENNIFER SCHU
“Ten weeks! You can have a great job in just 10 weeks!”
When TV reporter Bob Kelly of Fox 29 Philadelphia heard about Delaware County Community College’s Welding program, he had to see it for himself—and he even took a turn with a welding torch.
Kelly’s interest reflects how hot the trades are right now. With Baby Boomers retiring, there is immediate and growing demand for electricians, plumbers, welders, HVAC technicians and more. DCCC’s Workforce & Economic Development Division is supporting employers and students in Delaware, Chester and surrounding counties with programs aligned with the workforce needs of regional employers, providing a pipeline of skilled candidates to fill Pennsylvania’s High Priority Occupations.
The allure for students is easy to see. Within just a few months, they can acquire the skills they need to obtain a well-paying entry level job in a trade.
“Just 10 weeks to give folks an opportunity to get a job in an industry that is looking for workers! And a job that is never going to be replaced by a computer,” Kelly marveled.
Even better, the education is low cost and sometimes even free. DCCC is currently training entry level welders tuition free through Philadelphia Works’ Good Jobs Challenge. The first cohort earned their certificates in May 2025.
“It was a great experience,” said student Andre Robinson of Brookhaven. “I feel confident that I know enough to give myself a chance in the field.”
“I personally learned a lot. This will help me be ahead of the game when I go for a job and will help a great deal with my current job,” said student Mike McCollum of Drexel Hill, an assistant mechanic/operator at Merion Golf Club.
The 225-hour, 10-week hands-on training program delivers an introduction to welding and training in oxyfuel cutting, shielded metal arc welding, gas metal arc welding, blueprint reading and basic fabrication. These high-demand skills prepare students for entry-level welding positions. Students in the Good Jobs Challenge first cohort ranged in age from 21-59 and reside in Delaware County, Chester County, Montgomery County and Philadelphia.
“The students were highly motivated to learn a new trade,” said DCCC Welding instructor Salvatore Russomanno, an American Welding Society certified instructor and a professional welder for the past four decades. “They hung in there, had great class attendance and put the time in.”
Scholarships for building and facilities maintenance training
Better yet, welding is not the only low-cost, scholarship training currently available at DCCC. The scholarships remove financial barriers and encourage students to consider family-sustaining career pathways.
The College is currently training up to 80 students to become building maintenance managers and maintenance technicians at 100% free tuition through a $1,366,242.00 grant awarded from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic development.
DCCC’s Building and Facilities Maintenance Certificate Program, launched in 2024 in response to regional workforce demand, is a 29-credit certificate of competency that is federal aid eligible and is the first step in a career pathway towards an associate degree in the Skilled Trades. Since modern maintenance tasks will require proficiency with various software and digital tools, DCCC’s program incorporates the understanding and impact of technical advancements related to cyber security, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and productivity platforms. It is designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in the field of Building Maintenance Managers and Maintenance Technicians.
Advanced manufacturing: in high demand
DCCC is a regional leader in the development and delivery of courses leading to professional certifications, certificates of competency and proficiency, and Associate in Applied Science degrees.
Advanced Manufacturing—which includes the use of advanced and innovative technologies and methods to improve and enhance competitiveness within the manufacturing sector—is another hot area right now. There are substantial opportunities for advanced manufacturing careers in the Philadelphia region, according to Karen Kozachyn, DCCC Vice President, Workforce & Economic Development.
“Advanced manufacturing offers high-demand, high-wage career opportunities that are essential to the region’s economic future,” Kozachyn said. “DCCC’s hands-on, industry-aligned programs ensure that students are not only workforce-ready but are equipped with the technical and problem-solving skills that employers need today.”
Strong ties to local industry—and jobs
DCCC’s Workforce programs stand out due to the College’s close relationships with local industries and corporations, including Hanwa Philly Shipyard. The College is recognized nationally as a center of excellence in education and training for the U.S. maritime industry.
DCCC’s Workforce & Economic Development Division regularly brings DCCC students to on-site tours at the headquarters of regional employers. Last fall more than 45 students from DCCC’s Skilled Trades Programs visited Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) to explore career possibilities in plumbing, electrical, Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC), carpentry, auto and mechanical.
The PHL tour was hosted by the City of Philadelphia’s Department of Aviation, which owns and operates PHL. Accompanied by DCCC faculty and staff and PHL Department of Aviation leaders, the students toured the airport’s maintenance facilities, central utility building and mechanical room and learned about the variety of careers available at PHL.
Starting salaries for current openings for the City of Philadelphia range from $57,826 to $63,820 per year for plumbers; $48,9990 to $53,761 per year for electricians; $57,826 to $63,820 per year for HVAC mechanics; $47,922 to $52,519 per year for carpenters and $46,734 to $51,124 for automotive maintenance technicians.
“It was a great day for our students. The team went above and beyond to welcome the students and give them a snapshot of what it is like to work at PHL,” said Jennifer Orazi, DCCC’s Dean of Workforce & Economic Development.
DCCC offers programs in automotive technology, carpentry, construction management and supervision, industrial production and mechanical technology, and certifications for electricians, HVAC specialists, plumbers and welders are all aligned with the workforce needs of employers in our region. For more information, visit Workforce & Economic Development.
Student Snapshots
Alex Shelton — Automotive
Attending an event on Marple Campus helped Automotive Technology student Alex Shelton score a dream internship. After earning one certificate in the program and working on her second, she was offered an internship at Girls Auto Clinic Repair Center, a woman-owned business that caters to female car owners. When its founder Patrice Banks spoke at DCCC last fall, Alex’s instructor brought the class to listen—and afterward, she met Banks. “Patrice invited me to visit the shop. After I toured it and met everyone, she offered me an internship.” MORE
Lita Maack – HVAC
Lita Maack grew up fixing cars and riding dirt bikes, so it is not surprising that she is already landed a job with a Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) company while pursuing an HVAC certificate at DCCC. “With HVAC, there are tons of different opportunities,” she says. “You can go into residential or industrial, work in controls or automation, and more.” Her DCCC HVAC instructor, John Smith, introduced her to her employer. MORE
Simron Biant – Welding
As a Combat Engineer in the U.S. Army, Simron Biant developed strong technical precision, adaptability, and collaboration skills. He decided to combine those proficiencies with a focus on advancing in the welding field.
“What I really like about the DCCC welding program is how the instructors teach and guide us. They make the material easy to understand and are always there to help, which makes learning a new skill feel fun and rewarding. As an Army veteran, I like to take what I’ve learned and move into the defense industry after I finish the course. Welding is an awesome career path because it is such a technical, hands-on skill with tons of opportunities.”