In April 2025, the Private Industry Council of Westmoreland/Fayette, Inc. was awarded the Veteran Employment Program Grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry. The grant, which runs from April 1, 2025, to November 30, 2026, has already seen...
At PIC's Monessen Family Center after-school program, the kids got hands-on with the glowing world of chemistry by exploring glow sticks. They learned how a simple snap mixes chemicals to create that magical glow—and why it keeps shining without any batteries!...
Every fall we start hearing the same questions. Are the woolly bear caterpillars darker this year? Are the acorns heavier? Are the leaves falling early? For generations, people have looked to nature for clues about the winter ahead. Some of these ideas are just for...
At the Monessen Family Center, the kids dove into the fascinating world of anatomy. From learning about bones to discovering what shows up on an X-ray, curiosity was through the roof! It’s amazing to see their eyes light up as they connect what they learn in books to...
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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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