The Private Industry Council (PIC) was pleased to serve as a valued partner to the Western PA Operating Engineers, beginning with preparation coursework on January 10th & 17th, 2026 and concluding with testing held from January 21st - 27th. Operating engineers are...
The Private Industry Council (PIC) Afterschool Program, funded through the Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) initiative, and administered by the state of PA made a meaningful impact on students and families in Fayette and Westmoreland...
The holiday season is a time of joy. However, it also comes with busy schedules, gift shopping, and year-end deadlines. Taking care of yourself is essential not just for your well-being, but so you can truly enjoy the holiday season. Here are some cheerful self-care...
Families enrolled in Head Start and Early Head Start of Fayette County were invited to “Alphabet Safari” held at the Lemont Furnace Head Start Center on November 19, 2025. The theme of the event was to focus on language and literacy skills from the program’s school...
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Head Start / Early Head Start FAQs The Private Industry Council discusses frequently asked questions for Head Start and Early Head Start students. Private Industry Council operates the Head Start / Early Head Start program for Beaver and Fayette Counties in the...
The Private Industry Council of Westmoreland/Fayette hosted the 2025 Drone Showcase on Friday, June 27, 2025, celebrating the skills and achievements of students in its Drone Education Program. PIC’s Drone Program was made possible through the support of the Westmoreland-Fayette Workforce Investment Board.
A total of 23 students enrolled in the program, receiving hands-on training in drone operation, flight techniques, and industry regulations. Of those students, 12 participated in the live drone flight competition, where they demonstrated precision, control, and technical knowledge in front of an enthusiastic audience. Congratulations go out to flight competition winners; Gabriel Bierdrycki 1st Place, Benjamin Pushic 2nd Place, and Samuel Reese, 3rd place!
In addition to the competitive demonstration, the program proudly recognizes 9 students who successfully passed the FAA Part 107 certification exam, a major milestone in qualifying for professional drone operation in commercial settings. Their achievements reflect the incredible hard work, dedication, and passion every student brought to the program. Also, participant teams collaborated with local technical schools to develop video marketing tools that may be used in the near future.
This event was not only a showcase of current talent but a promising look at the future of workforce development and innovation in drone technology. As the Private Industry Council continues to invest in emerging career pathways, the Drone Education Program stands as a shining example of how focused training can open doors to exciting and high-demand careers.
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