Newtown Yardley, PA Schools Press Releases

Bucks County Community College Celebrates Graduating 600 Students from Industrial Skills Pre-Apprenticeship Programs

[Bucks County, Pa.] — Officials at Bucks County Community College proudly celebrate a major milestone as the College’s Center for Workforce Development surpasses 600 graduates from its industrial skills pre-apprenticeship programs. Launched in 2014, the Metalwork Pre-Apprenticeship program served as the foundation for the Center’s continued growth, leading to the addition of Industrial Maintenance Pre-Apprenticeship in 2016 and the Building and Construction Trades Pre-Apprenticeship in 2023. Together, these programs have prepared hundreds of students with the skills needed to succeed in high-demand industries across the region.

Since starting in 2014, students in the industrial skills pre-apprenticeships have sustained a 94% graduation rate, participated in the programs free of charge, and benefitted from a 90% placement rate in lucrative manufacturing careers.  Bucks has partnered with various local, state and federal agencies to sustain these pre-apprenticeships and launch new ones.  The Metalwork and Industrial Maintenance Pre-Apprenticeships are supported by a $2 million award from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).  

“The U.S. Department of Energy workforce training grant supports our collective efforts to prepare the next generation of skilled workers,” said Bucks County Community College President & CEO Patrick M. Jones. We’re thrilled to be able to offer the education and training necessary for area residents to launch their manufacturing careers with good-paying jobs in high-demand fields.”

Now in the second year of the three-year award, the U.S. Department of Energy award will afford Bucks’ Center for Workforce Development the opportunity to continue the Metalwork and Industrial Maintenance Pre-Apprenticeships serving an additional 100 students. Students will receive intensive career training with one-on-one job placement services ensuring that they secure a high-paying career or apprenticeship upon graduation. This one-on-one approach is a cornerstone of the Center for Workforce Development and crucial in sustaining a 90% placement rate. 

Graduates of Bucks’ Metalwork and Industrial Maintenance Pre-Apprenticeship programs receive a Bucks County Community College Certificate of Completion, a State Pre-Apprenticeship Certificate, OSHA10 and Forklift Safety certifications. Graduates of the Metalwork Program complete the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) assessment, with students historically earning a 97% pass rate — underscoring the strength and quality of the program. In addition, graduates of both training programs earn 12 academic credits toward an associate of applied science degree in Business or Engineering Technology which can help them move into higher-level manufacturing roles as they continue their education.

Both pre-apprenticeships are 288 hours, taught by industry experts and held Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. in the College’s Center for Advanced Technologies (CAT) facility on the Epstein Campus at Lower Bucks in Bristol, Pa. The CAT is a brand-new, state-of-the-art facility offering job seekers access to high-quality career training programs. 

Information Sessions

The next cohorts of the Metalwork and Industrial Maintenance Pre-Apprenticeship programs will begin on April 13, 2026. Job seekers interested in learning more about these free training programs (valued at $6,500) must attend an information session in either February or March. For information session dates and to register, please visit bucks.edu/metalwork and bucks.edu/industrial-maintenance.

For more information, contact Associate Vice President for Workforce Development Susan Herring at 267-685-4827 or CWDinquiry@bucks.edu.