Elk County Catholic Students Achieve OSHA-10 Certification

Seven students from the Mechanical, Electrical, and Technology (MET) Foundations program at Elk County Catholic High School (ECCHS) in St. Marys have successfully completed their OSHA-10 training, earning official certification. This certification equips students with essential knowledge of workplace safety standards, including fall protection, emergency action plans, electrical safety, and hazard communication.

The training was conducted under the guidance of Shaylah Smith, a certified trainer who led students through a comprehensive curriculum. The course focused on critical safety topics such as personal protective equipment (PPE), machine guarding, and hand/power tool safety. Successfully completing this program marks a significant achievement for these students and further enhances their readiness for technical careers.

Support from Local Leaders Enhances Program

Officials at ECCHS noted that the MET program was developed following extensive consultations with local business leaders to address community workforce needs. The program aims to better prepare students for the demands of technical careers, aligning educational efforts with industry requirements.

Ted Hanes, president at Elk County Catholic School System (ECCSS), expressed gratitude for the support received from the Industrial Technology Advisory Group. This group played a crucial role in ensuring the success of the program. Members include Lisa Daghir, guidance counselor; John Schneider, principal; and several board members and local business leaders.

The collaboration illustrates a commitment to fostering educational initiatives that respond to the evolving needs of the workforce. Hanes emphasized the ongoing dedication of ECCHS to expand this initiative, further enhancing student preparedness for future career opportunities.

Community Impact and Future Prospects

The MET program’s success reflects a growing trend of educational institutions partnering with local businesses to create tailored training programs. This initiative not only benefits students by providing valuable certifications but also addresses the skills gap in the local labor market.

For more information about the MET program and its offerings, interested parties may contact Lisa Daghir at (814) 834-7800, ext. 208, or via email at [email protected]. The achievement of these students underscores the importance of practical training and community involvement in shaping the future workforce.