Williamson Enters Articulation Agreement with PCT

Williamson College of the Trades has entered an articulation agreement with Pennsylvania College of Technology, located in Williamsport, PA, that will facilitate the pursuit of a bachelor’s degree in residential construction technology and management for Williamson’s graduates in construction technology-carpentry and masonry.

Under the agreement, some of the credits earned at Williamson by graduates in construction technology-carpentry and masonry will be accepted at Pennsylvania College of Technology, saving the students time and money.

Bill Bonenberger 7W9, Williamson’s board vice chairman, said, “Everyone at Williamson, from the board of trustees, to the faculty and shop instructors, to our students and alumni are very excited about the articulation agreement that was recently executed between Williamson and Penn College of Technology. My own son just finished his second year in Penn College’s Construction Management Program so I know firsthand about the dedicated teachers and first class institution they run. We are very impressed with the opportunities that this articulation agreement creates. Over the years, a significant percentage of Williamson students have gone on to further their education. Unfortunately, in the field of construction management they had to start as freshmen, with no credit given for their three years of academics and trade education at Williamson. The opportunity for our alumni to now attend a school with a proven track record and long standing reputation for placing its graduates with some of the best construction firms in the industry is something we appreciate, and hopefully something both schools will benefit from.”

Tom Wisneski, Williamson’s vice president of education, added “While Williamson has agreements with other colleges in areas such as organizational leadership or human resource management, this is the first time we have been able to forge a pathway in the specific field of construction technology and management, which should prove to be a real asset to our carpentry and masonry graduates. And we are particularly delighted to partner with a school with such an outstanding reputation as Penn College. A Williamson grad with a B.S. from Penn College of Technology? That’s an impressive resume!”

Marc Bridgens, dean of Penn College’s School of Construction and Design Technology, said “We are excited to offer a bachelor degree opportunity for Williamson students. By entering our program with a strong foundation in carpentry or masonry, Williamson students will be able to expand their skill base with advanced coursework in estimating, residential building management, and advanced mechanical systems.”

The Penn College Residential Construction program is endorsed by the Pennsylvania Builders’ Association, a nonprofit professional trade organization representing 6,000 member companies across the commonwealth. As students earn certification, their names are added to PBA’s website, providing reassurance to builders and potential employers that they are well-prepared to work with a residential construction company.

Penn College Construction Association (PCCA), Penn College’s student chapter of the National Association of Home Builders, competes at national competitions and has won numerous building industry awards. Most recently, Penn College’s two-year program placed third in the national competition. West Branch Susquehanna Builders Association, a regional affiliate of the Pennsylvania Builders Association, provides the financial support for the competition.
Williamson graduates and current students interested in the bachelor degree opportunity should contact the School of Construction and Design Technology to discuss transferring into the program, by calling 1-800-367-9222.

The school offers opportunities throughout the year to tour the 92,000-square-foot construction labs and talk with faculty.

Pictured signing the agreement at Williamson are (from left to right): President Michael Rounds; Carol Lugg, Pennsylvania College of Technology’s assistant dean of the School of Construction and Design Technologies; and Thomas Wisneski, vice president of education.