Elk County Catholic High School Students Earn OSHA Certification

Seven students from the Mechanical, Electrical, and Technology (MET) Foundations program at Elk County Catholic High School (ECCHS) have successfully completed their OSHA-10 training, achieving official certification. This accomplishment highlights the school’s commitment to preparing students for careers in technical fields through rigorous industry standards.

Under the instruction of certified trainer Shaylah Smith, the OSHA-10 course included essential topics such as fall protection, emergency action plans, electrical safety, hazard communication, personal protective equipment (PPE), machine guarding, and hand and power tool safety. This training equips students with critical knowledge necessary for maintaining safety in various work environments.

Community Collaboration and Workforce Development

The MET program was developed following extensive consultation with local business leaders to address workforce needs in the community. Officials at ECCHS expressed pride in this milestone, stating, “This milestone marks a significant step forward for the MET program.” The school’s administration is dedicated to expanding this initiative to enhance students’ readiness for technical careers.

Ted Hanes, president at Elk County Catholic School System (ECCSS), acknowledged the vital role of the Industrial Technology Advisory Group in the program’s success. “We are grateful for the support of our Industrial Technology Advisory Group, whose instrumental involvement was crucial to the success of this program,” he commented.

Key Contributors to the MET Program

The Industrial Technology Advisory Group includes a diverse range of professionals and educators. Members include Lisa Daghir, guidance counselor at ECCHS; John Schneider, principal of ECCHS/SMCMS; and board members like Jude Viglione and Ed Schlimm. Other contributors include Nathan Higgins, president of FreeFORM Technologies; Tom Detsch, general manager of SGL; and Ben Reuscher, area manager at American Axle.

Additionally, Amy Goode, Kate Brock, and Susan Snelick, president of Northern PA Regional College, have also played key roles in supporting the program’s development. Their collective efforts reflect a strong commitment to enhancing educational opportunities and workforce readiness within the community.

For more information about the MET program or to discuss potential partnerships, interested parties can contact Lisa Daghir at (814) 834-7800, ext. 208, or via email at [email protected].