Rosedale Technical College Pittsburgh

Over 90 nominations were reviewed by APSCU for the accomplishments of Hall of Fame, Educator of the Year, Most Innovative New Program, and various Community Service awards.

Rosedale Tech’s Automotive Instructor, Paul Danner, was awarded APSCU’s Educator of the Year – Runner up for 2012. Paul is a 1993 graduate of Rosedale, and has been an Instructor at Rosedale for 12 years. During his tenure at RTI Paul has written and revised his textbook “Engine Performance Diagnostics” six times and created numerous multimedia lessons on his YouTube channel “Scanner Danner”.

Paul is an ASE Master Certified Automotive Technician, and holds numerous accreditations including ASE in Advanced Engine Performance, Snap-On diagnostic tools and brake lathe training, Pro-Cut brake lathe training, Hunter Road Balancer training, GM Hybrid Systems training, and continues to hold his PA Enhanced Emissions Inspector License, PA Enhance Emission Repair License, and PA State Inspection License. These are just a few of Paul’s certifications and accolades.

Paul’s 20 years of experience, hard work, dedication, and passion for the automotive field make him an exceptional candidate for this award.

- Debbie Bier, Director of Admissions, Rosedale Technical Institute

Through this partnership, students currently attending Parkway West CTC will have the opportunity to receive advanced, post-secondary styled learning and training in both Automotive and Diesel technologies, enabling the student to earn credits prior to graduating.

Executive Director of Parkway West CTC, Dr. Darby Copeland stated, “Rosedale Tech’s willingness to think outside of the box in order to help students succeed was a key factor to make The Parkway West CTC/Rosedale Tech dual enrollment program a reality.

The program started on January 13th and will run through mid-May. Students will report daily to Rosedale to take advantage of its state-of-the-art training facilities and learn from their experienced instructors.

Dennis Wilke, President and Director of Rosedale Technical Institute stated, “Rosedale is excited to establish this collaboration with Parkway West CTC. Working together, we can help to close the technical skills gap our region faces.

The demand for tradespeople continues to grow as evidenced by Rosedale’s 96% job placement for graduates of its Diesel technology program since 2011. The development of the Marcellus Shale is among the factors driving the need for Diesel technicians. Furthermore, all graduates in the December 2013 Automotive Technology program secured a job prior to graduation.

This partnership will greatly benefit Parkway West, Rosedale Tech, and the surrounding communities both institutions serve.

On Monday January 14th, 2013, 42 high school students from area vocational and technical schools competed in Pennsylvania’s District 8 regional SkillsUSA competition held at Rosedale Technical Institute.  The participating schools included A.W. Beattie CTC, Beaver County CTC, Eastern Westmoreland CTC, Forbes Road CTC, Greater Johnstown CTC, Indiana County CTC, McKeesport ATC, Northern Westmoreland CTC, Steel Center AVTS and Parkway West CTC.   SkillsUSA is a national nonprofit organization serving teachers, high school and college students who are preparing for careers in trade, technical and skilled service occupations.  Their mission is to help its members become world-class workers, leaders and responsible American citizens.  Winners from the regional event advance to the state finals in Hershey, Pa.  Victors at the state level then move on to nationals in Kansas City, Mo, where they will compete for post-secondary education scholarships awarded by SkillsUSA.

This year’s host, McKeesport High School/ATC, decided to team up with Rosedale Technical Institute.  Normally held at one of the region’s participating schools, RTI was not only able to offer an even playing field but also a number of resources critical for the various competitions.  Rosedale instructors helped design and then judge the tasks that made up each competition.  Top students from around the area contended in a number of Automotive, Diesel, Electrical and HVAC technology competition, as well as Math and Job Interviewing skills competitions.   An invitation to a regional SkillsUSA is an honor in itself; all participants should be proud.  The winners moving on to states in April are:

Auto Service Specialization: Ryan Shaner – NWCTC

Auto Service Technology: Brian Bennett – Parkway West CTC

Diesel Technology: Sam Helbling – Forbes Road CTC

Employment Application Process: Leanne Morosky – A.W. Beattie

HVAC: Harry McClements – Beaver County CTC

Industrial Motor Control: Brett Stape – Forbes Road CTC

Job Interview: Tippin Harkins – Beaver County CTC

Power Equipment: Zach Roebuck – Forbes Road CTC

Related Technical Math: Mackenzie Kutchel – A.W. Beattie

Residential Wiring: Michelle Braga – Steel Center AVTS