New workshop unveiled at Mon Valley CTC

The roomier, more modern workspace was created by students at the school.

Welders in the wolf pack at Mon Valley Career and Technology Center certainly had something to howl about Thursday when the ribbon to their new lab and workshop was torched.

State Sen. Camera Bartolotta, R-Carroll Township, with help from Bentworth senior Kayla O’Dell, who is in the welding program, used a torch to burn a ceremonial ribbon and officially open MVCTC’s new welding fabrication and machine lab.”

MVCTC Director Neil Henehan welcomed superintendents from the consortium of school districts, staff, board members and other officials to help students celebrate the opening of the new shop and to see the work that went into building the new, state-ofthe- art facility with their own hands.

Before seeing the new workshop up close, Henehan and Principal Adam Wilkinson told guests how the project came to be.

“A lot of hard work and passion went into what you are about to see, and it’s thanks to and for our students,” Henehan said. “But I think it’s important for you to understand where we were and had been for a while before this, which is now something we are extremely proud of. What you are going to see was created by our students, which makes it even more special. It’s a big day and means a lot to us that you are here, and I think I can speak for the students when they say they are excited for people to see what they have done and where they will be working and learning.”

Long-time coming

The former machine lab was dedicated the same year as the school, in 1972, and had not been upgraded since.

“You can’t appreciate what you have until you know where it came from,” Wilkinson said. “This project is something we had been talking about since I started here in 2020. We would walk down there and knew we had to take care of it and get something done.”

In the old shop, some machines were in the same place they had been installed more than 40 years ago.

“It was outdated, it was crowded and it needed a full upgrade,” Wilkinson said.

The biggest problem, Henehan said, in addition to space and functionality, was the increasing demand of the program.

“It was a machine shop, largely,” he said. “And, while we do have a handful of successful machinists here, there was a greater demand for welding, but that was the smallest part of the shop. So, we decided to flip the script. We still have a machine shop, but it’s on the smaller side so we can focus on welding.”

From electrical and welding, to painting and fabrication, students put a lot of sweat equity into the space that will not only shape their futures, but the paths of future trades workers for generations to come.

The old shop had 18 booths for welding, so students would have to take turns or double up when working, and the ventilation was also a problem.

The new space now has 36 booths, upgraded ventilations systems, new technology in the classroom and all the tools they need to perfect their trade.

“We are booming, so we really had to analyze every inch of this space to see how to make this work,” Henehan said.

About a year ago, Henehan said he challenged himself, administrators and staff to get started.

“You remember what it looked like,” Henehan said.

“Before too long, (our) teacher Mr. Vinnie DeStefano, aka “Mr. D” put pen to paper and provided a laundry list of items that we could discuss.”

Henehan said that conversation proved to be invaluable.

“It’s a conversation that every educator should have with their leadership,” Henehan said. “It starts with a question, how can we make it better? Over time, every square inch of the program was analyzed. It was reimagined, reengineered and then reimagined again. The result is what you see before you.”

Future of manufacturing

The new shop, built for and by students, will shape the future workers in the Mon Valley as well as the future manufacturing at MVCTC.

“This is the future of manufacturing at Mon Valley CTC, but more importantly it’s a lesson in the power of one teacher to be a driving force, fueled by passion to create something amazing for the betterment and opportunities for all students,” Henehan said.

DeStefano is proud to see his students in action.

“I had a vision in my head, but to see them build this, it’s pretty cool,” he said. “Seeing them so proud of what they have accomplished, for something they did build from basically the ground up … it’s pretty great.”

Bartolotta said as the chairperson for the labor and industry committee for four years and a representative of the Mon Valley, which prides itself on its workforce and manufacturing, she was happy to be part of such an important dedication.

“Today I am here for you (the students) and this, what you all created,” Bartolotta said. “You might not realize this, but someday your children and grandchildren will see pictures of what you did here today and see the way you changed the ability for future generations to learn and work in skills that are so important and necessary. You are all working for jobs that we so desperately need here in the Mon Valley, you are creating future legacies for people in manufacturing and I’m happy to be here to be part of it.”

Collaborative effort

From the vision of educators to the work by students in their respective fields, Henehan said it took a lot of moving parts to get the job done.

From students putting in their time and effort, sacrificing time to work on their own projects during the renovation, and the maintenance crew, it was a hands-on effort.

Henehan made it a point to thank industry partners who helped make the project happen, including Lincoln Electric, Sky Oxygen, Hranec Insulation Corporation and IE Power for the consultations and work.

Without support from the consortium of district leaders, it would not have been possible.

Henehan thanked Charleroi Area Superintendent Dr. Ed Zelich, Bentworth Superintendent Scott Martin, Ringgold Superintendent Randy Skrinjorich, Beth-Center Superintendent Don MacFann, Monessen Superintendent Dr. Robert Motte and California Area Superintendent Dr. Laura Jacob.

Representatives from Bentworth, Monessen, Ringgold and California were present Thursday. All were impressed by the work done and are excited for the future of their students, present and into the future.

When Henehan spoke about student contributions, it resonated with Jacob.

“This is about a bigger picture, not only them having the capability to help create this space, but the contributions they are making for the future of the trades and education,” Jacob said. “It’s about the longevity of a program, without them even realizing the impact they are going to have for future generations.

“Welding is in a very high demand, and this space has doubled the opportunity. So for us, we know we can send more kids to this program, which is where a lot of them want to be.”

CaliforniaArea High School Principal Josh Pollock is also proud of the effort.

“We have always had a good relationship with the CTC, and the efforts they put into our kids and their programs,”

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he said. “This has and will provide an opportunity for them to create something with their own hands they can be proud of, and will have a lasting impact. I’m proud of these students, and for the CTC to create this opportunity for them to realize something for themselves but it’s also bigger than themselves.”

Motte said in his district, a lot of students look to the workforce after graduation.

“I don’t want to assume, but college is not for all students anymore,” he said. “In our district, we have a high percentage of graduates who want to go into the workforce, into good-paying jobs and careers. This is a great opportunity for our students who are looking to get out of high school and go into a field that can provide successful opportunities. This is another roadway to success, and we’re really thrilled to see this.”

Skrinjorich said the MVCTC continues to provide opportunities for students.

“This is another open door,” he said. “There is a great need for this industry. It’s a great career opportunity, offers great-paying jobs. This type of investment and opportunity is exactly what we want to see for our kids.”

Martin said he will always support MVCTC and its effort to provide opportunity.

“I am here a lot to see our students and I love the Mon Valley CTC,” he said. “When I am here, I can see the students are alive with learning. From program to program, they are excited. Even talking with students in the welding program today, in their down time they are experimenting and that’s what it is about. Pushing creativity and allowing the space do that.

“This space is important, but a small piece in the puzzle of what they do here, which is allowing creativity flow and thrive. Students no matter their program want to come here, they look forward to coming here.”

For Martin, it’s about getting creative in his own role to not limit students.

“We have to get creative to balance schedules, students wanting to take AP courses but also to be here to learn, and that’s on us administrators to get creative to make their dreams and goals happen,” he said. “We aren’t here to limit them. If our students want to do both, it’s our responsibility to make that happen and make sure they are able to explore every opportunity available to them.

“Why should we ever limit them? It’s about their power of choice and our ability to fuel that.”

Henehan also thanked the MVCTC board of directors, which approves projects to be brought to fruition.

“You may not know this but each school district sends a representative to sit on the board, and these board members approve projects like this to happen,” Henehan said.

MVCTC board members Charlie Yakich (Charleroi) and Mark Panicucci (Monessen) were both present Thursday.

Hard at work

Wyatt Bunch, a welding program student and junior at Belle Vernon Area, said the new space is a big improvement.

“It’s bigger, cleaner, safer,” he said.

Heaven Schmid, a Ringgold junior, said the new shop is more spacious.

“We have our own booths now, so we don’t have to take turns,” she said.

They both appreciate new air filtration systems.

“It’s easier to breathe and do what have to do,” Bunch said.

“Yeah, that’s been great,” she added.

They both decided to get into welding for potential career opportunities.

Schmid wants to eventually become an underwater welder, and Bunch wants to work on a pipeline.

O’Dell chose to enroll in the welding program so she can continue to work with her hands.

Wentworth, last year’s homecoming queen, said it’s important to her to show students you can be whatever you want to be.

“For me, welding was hands-on and that is always something I have loved,” she said. “If you think about it, almost everything is welded and it’s a job that pays good money. I was homecoming queen, but that didn’t define me and neither does this. You don’t have to be just one thing or fit just one mold. You can do both, and be whatever it is you want to be.”