LCCC launches free career academy to boost skilled workforce

FOX 56 News

Wednesday June 4, 2025

By: Elizabeth Haikes

LUZERNE CO. (WOLF) -- In an effort to build a stronger skilled workforce in northeastern Pennsylvania, Luzerne County Community College has officially launched the LCCC Career and Technology Academy. This program partners with the region's three major Career and Technical Centers: Hazleton Area, Wilkes-Barre Area, and West Side.*

"These courses are free of charge, no tuition because of the scholarships and because of the dual enrollment grant in the early stages of this academy," said LCCC President John Yudichak. "You're going to be able to find out, do I want to be in HVAC? Do I want to be in plumbing? Do I want to be in welding? Do I want to do computer technology? You're going to be able to take those courses, find out where your strengths, pursue a career and a college degree."

The program is funded by a $1 million Dual Credit Innovation Grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Education, along with $150,000 in private scholarships. Local entrepreneur and president of Mark Construction, William Rinaldi, personally contributed $100,000 through a named scholarship fund.

"I look at this program as a gateway for people in our area to have the opportunity to have a well-sustaining job and also bring larger companies into the area?knowing we have the workforce to work here," said Rinaldi.

This spring, 27 students became the academy's first class, taking hands-on courses in welding, electrical technology, HVAC, plumbing, culinary, early childhood education, and more all while still enrolled in high school.

A 2023 state analysis revealed a 61,000-worker credential gap including over 12,000 in trades like maintenance and repair. Pennsylvania would need to boost postsecondary attainment by 4.4 percent just to close the gap.

"Every trade is looking for guys. There are zero guys on the sheet metal books, zero guys on the electrician book. We need skilled labor?and this program is the best thing I've seen in a long time," said J&E Sheet Metal president Bill Feist.

The goal is not just a degree, but a clear and affordable path to a sustainable career and a solution to a growing workforce crisis.