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...
Airman First Class Jes Nicola, of Hopwood PA, is proudly serving his country in the United States Air Force. Jes participated in our Drone Education Program during the 2020 – 2021 school year through a grant provided by the Westmoreland Fayette Workforce Investment Board (WFWIB). Jes was very interested in drone technology and the potential it had as a career path. He earned his FAA PART 107 Remote Pilot license through the program and having this FAA license enabled him to be a squadron leader and have a higher rank with the ROTC drone division based out of Laurel Highlands High School.
Jes completed his basic training and is currently serving at Sheppard Air Force Base. He is studying Remote Pilot Aircraft (drones) at the 82nd Training Wing Logistics University (known as “Tech School”) in Wichita Falls, Texas. He will graduate in February 2024. His first deployment will be at Creech Air Force Base in Clark County, Nevada. Creech Air Force base is America’s Command and Control Center used “to engage in daily overseas contingency operations of remotely piloted aircraft systems which fly missions across the globe.” His title will be “Avionic Controls”. He will be part of a team that flies and maintains the Air Force’s Remote Pilot Aircraft, such as the MQ9 Reaper, also known as Predator B (pictured below).
Jes has earned the rank of Airman 1st Class in the United States Air Force. He will live in Las Vegas, Nevada while stationed at Creech Air Force Base. He signed with the Air Force for six years. Jes had a great base to prepare him for this career with his participation in the Drone Education Program and his four years in the ROTC. Jes has demonstrated a strong work ethic and commitment that has enabled him to achieve his career goal. We are very proud of him and grateful for his service to our country.
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