A quiet revolution is underway in Central Pennsylvania—and it’s happening not in lecture halls, but in welding booths, nursing labs, and HVAC classrooms. At the forefront of this transformation is the Central Pennsylvania Institute of Science and Technology (CPI), rapidly becoming one of the most strategic bets in modern education. Forget nostalgia—this is about returns. The ROI on career and technical education has never been stronger.
Welcome to the era of the Shop Class Ninjas.
These are students mastering real-world skills that not only meet today’s job demands—but future-proof their careers. They’re learning how to fix systems, build structures, and manage essential technologies, all while positioning themselves as indispensable to the 21st-century workforce.
A Dual-Track Engine for Talent
Located in Pleasant Gap and serving students from nine surrounding counties, CPI runs with a dual mission: preparing both high school students and adult learners for the workforce. Its curriculum is tightly aligned with industry needs, providing training that leads directly to employment.
High School Programs:
- Automotive Technology
- Advertising and Commercial Arts
- Carpentry
- Cosmetology
- Culinary Arts
- Health Occupations Medical Science and Technology
- HVAC & Plumbing
- Welding and Metal Fabrication Technology
- Collision Repair
- Early Childhood Education
- Dental Assisting
- Diesel Repair
- Heavy Equipment
- Emergency Services
- Information Technology
- Landscaping
Adult College Programs:
60 in-house adult & continuing education programs and more than 350 online courses
- Practical Nursing (LPN)
- Dental Assistant
- Heavy Equipment Operations
- HVAC & Plumbing
- Electrician Training
- Welding
- Automotive Technology
- Cosmetology
- Carpentry
- Culinary Arts
The HVAC and LPN programs stand out as prime examples of CPI’s market alignment. Mechanical trades are where it’s at! It’s a recession-proof career,” says Steve Balkey, a respected Central PA construction management expert and Penn State-trained civil engineer. “With mechanical system life cycles, modern energy efficiency systems, and smart buildings, demand for qualified technicians has outpaced supply”. Data backs him up: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects HVAC job growth at 5% and LPN roles at 9% by 2030—both above the national average. These are no longer fallback options—they’re strategic pathways into high-skill, high-salary careers.
From Local Resource to Regional Force
Founded in 1969, CPI has grown into a regional engine of workforce development. Its modern campus, industry-driven programs, and adaptive model give it a unique edge. In a world where degrees are being reconsidered and credentials are gaining currency, CPI’s nimbleness is its superpower.
Consider this: if trends continue, CPI could someday rival major universities in enrollment—not by copying them, but by outpacing them in relevance. As higher ed institutions face headwinds, CPI has wind at its back.
The Cool Table Has Moved
Let’s be blunt: CPI isn’t trying to be Penn State—it’s trying to be essential. And right now, essential looks like a 20-year-old licensed LPN (with tuition paid for by the hospital) stepping into a hospital job or a credentialed welder earning $60K before most peers finish sophomore year.
It’s not either/or anymore. Some students are stacking credentials and degrees: a Penn State major in data science paired with a CPI certificate in CNC machining or HVAC. That’s the new competitive edge.
The puck is moving—and CPI is already skating to where it’s going. The Central Pennsylvania Institute (CPI) offers flexible training options — including certificates, diplomas, and associate degrees — in a range of high-demand fields, helping students “discover a world of opportunity” in the classroom or online.
2 Responses
The trades are finally starting to be recognized as another path toward a successful life. Only about 1/3 of high school graduates should head to college. The vast majority would be better served learning a trade and earning a good paycheck. (and they do it without suffering from a ton of student loan debt). Great article.
I’m sorry but the lifestyle of a honest tradesman is not going to appeal to the vast majority of people looking at the carrot being waved around here. You don’t pop out of a trade school able to generate profit for your employer. It takes a lot of time to be a well rounded competent person in hvac. What is happening now is the bigger companies are taking these partially trained people out of the schools, sending them out on $40 “system inspection specials” in a truck with a nice uniform and a big smile and turning them into salesman and quite frankly- liars, who are making 6 figures a year on commissions. It’s such a shame because trust is eroding in the trades to the point where people don’t know what to believe anymore.