SHARON, PA. Agency creates training classes

The nonprofit organization has already lined up three training providers to offer classes.
By HAROLD GWIN
VINDICATOR SHARON BUREAU
SHARON, Pa. -- There's a new educational agency in town but it isn't looking to replace schools and colleges.
Technical Education Solutions Inc is a private nonprofit organization; it was created to assess what the community needs in the form of training that isn't being provided and then come up with a way to provide it, according to James Tokar, the organization's executive director.
The fledgling agency, which has already won a Community Education Council designation and a $113,000 grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, opened its doors at 1333 E. State St. Thursday.
Dick Turner, president of the board of directors, said the agency is set up to bring training programs here, rather than send employees or prospective employees elsewhere for the education they need, he said.
Meetings: Tokar said the agency plans to meet with community groups to assess needs and develop programs to fill those needs. The first session will be with local health care providers and law enforcement and auto dealers who need mechanical and technical people will be next on the list, he said.
TES will serve as a liaison between individual and business needs and industry and regional educational resources, Turner said.
TES has already formed educational partnerships with Manufacturer's Association in Erie, Wrightco Technologies Inc. of Ebensburg, Pa., and Butler County Community College. Tuition would be paid to them and not to the agency.
Labs: Manufacturer's Association has helped set up a 12-station computer lab at TES and will provide training for employees of its member companies and offer a supervisory skills program as well .
Wrightco, a technical training school, will offer courses in Communications Installation and Testing and Fiber Optics Communications.
Butler County Community College is set to offer two computer courses as well as a basic human structure and introduction to microbiology courses at TES .
Only nine groups in Pennsylvania have received the Community Education Council designation, according to Turner. The councils are locally-run, nonprofit groups to provide post-secondary education and training, Turner said.