A collaboration between Lackawanna College and Johnson College will provide the training many young people need to obtain high-paying jobs as electronics technicians with some of the most well-known and respected employers in Northeastern Pennsylvania. (Click to download brochure)

Lackawanna College and Johnson College, both located in Scranton, are combining forces to offer specialized training leading to an Associates Degree in Electronics beginning in September 2006. Through courses taken at both schools, students will receive the training they need to become highly skilled professionals with limitless opportunities in the local job market.

Candidates apply to Lackawanna College for admission to the program and take core courses there. At Johnson, they receive hands-on training in various electronic and communication technology subjects. The Two-year program leads to Associate in Applied Science degrees in either Communications Electronic Technology or Electronic Technology from Lackawanna College.

The new collaboration was announced during a press conference on Friday, March 24, at the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce. Officials from Johnson College and Lackawanna College outlined the details of the new program. State Senator Robert Mellow, officials from the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, representatives of local high schools and area employers also participated in the important announcement.

“This new collaboration will provide the valuable training young people need to obtain high-paying positions at some of our area’s best-known employers such as Tobyhanna Army Depot and Cinram Manufacturing,” Senator Mellow said. “There are great careers available right here in Northeastern Pennsylvania for those who acquire the necessary skills to pursue them.”

“Both Lackawanna College and Johnson College have long and proud histories of serving the people of the Northeastern Pennsylvania. Today’s announcement of a collaboration between our two institutions to provide world-class electronics training for local residents is yet another example of that ongoing commitment,” said Lackawanna College President Raymond Angeli and Johnson College President Dr. Ann Pipinski.

“This unique partnership between Lackawanna College and Johnson College will enable area residents, particularly our young people, to obtain the skills they need to pursue a career in one of the fastest-growing job markets in our area. This is truly a great day for Northeastern Pennsylvania,” said Austin Burke, President of the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce.

Surveys of local employers have proven that companies will be hiring hundreds of workers who have specialized skills and training in the field of electronics. Trained electronics technicians will work with cutting-edge technology in dynamic fields such as national defense and global manufacturing.

For example, Tobyhanna Army Depot, the largest full-service electronics maintenance facility in the U.S. Department of Defense, will be hiring hundreds of electronics positions in the next several years for the design and overhaul of electronics systems such as airborne surveillance equipment, electro-optics, radio and radar systems, and tactical missile guidance and control systems. Positions at Tobyhanna have highly competitive salaries, paying an average of $45,000 per year with numerous benefits such as retirement, health insurance and paid vacations and holidays.

Cinram Manufacturing is another company that will need skilled electronics workers. Located in Olyphant, Cinram Manufacturing LLC (formerly WEA Manufacturing and Specialty Records) is the largest optical disc replicator in the world. The Olyphant facility manufactures millions of CDs and DVDs each year for major entertainment clients such as MGM, Universal and Warner Home Video. Like Tobyhanna, Cinram has a continuing need to hire trained electronics workers as it expands its operations in Lackawanna County. Electronics positions at Cinram range from $15-23 per hour and offer excellent benefits such as medical, vision and dental plans, 401(K) retirement plans and paid vacations and holidays.

Interested prospective students can learn more about the Associates Degree in Electronics program by contacting Lackawanna College’s training Institute at (570) 504-1586. Also, representatives will be on hand to answer questions at Lackawanna College’s Open House on Saturday, April 9, beginning at 9 a.m., at the downtown Scranton campus at 501 Vine Street.