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Success Story: How Central Penn College’s Center for Workforce Excellence is Transforming Education

Angela

As colleges and universities search to reimagine their roles beyond traditional degree programs, workforce training and development programs are emerging as viable options. Central Penn College is capitalizing on this trend with innovative partnerships and customized learning experiences through its Center for Workforce Excellence. In this blog, Curtis Voelker, Director of College Relations, shares how creative conversations lead to the program’s success and impact.

Watch the full podcast with Curtis Voelker.

Customization Beyond the Catalog

Central Penn’s Center for Workforce Excellence isn’t content with merely presenting a course catalog. Curtis Voelker emphasizes that the program goes further by listening to and collaborating with organizations to meet the needs of their workforce. He explains, “We can mix and match. We can custom build to directly meet the needs of our partners in our community and our region. So it’s an exciting time of innovation with Central Penn College, working with many different educational partners throughout our region.” This collaborative approach allows Central Penn to tailor offerings to meet the specific needs of partners in the community and the broader region. Whether it’s upskilling in management, leadership, communication, or teamwork, the Center’s flexibility ensures learners walk away with precisely what they need.

The Giant Company: A Shining Example

The success story of the Giant Company exemplifies the Center’s impact. It all began with a conversation—an alumnus from Central Penn College, now a team member at Giant, approached the college. They outlined their vision: specific learning outcomes for team members, delivered in a way that aligns with the company’s goals. Curtis Voelker describes this as a “powerful conversation” transcending traditional barriers. The result? A custom-built, online certificate program—a six-course, 18-credit curriculum—designed exclusively for Giant’s workforce. As the program enters its fourth year, it boasts over 100 graduates, each equipped with practical skills applicable both professionally and personally.

Modalities and Flexibility

Central Penn College recognizes that one size doesn’t fit all. While online learning dominates, Curtis Voelker emphasizes openness to other modalities. Blended formats—combining online and in-person elements—have been successful. Additionally, fully in-person training remains an option. The driving force? Meeting the needs of busy employees and employers.

“That’s on us as being a good, strong partner to be creative with that timing and that scheduling where if we need to train during the day, if we need to train during the evening, we need to kind of sometimes meet them where they are to get them the education and the focus that they need,” Voelker says.

Whether accommodating different shifts or ensuring accessibility, Central Penn’s commitment to flexibility ensures that learning fits seamlessly into the lives of those it serves.

Creative Conversations: A Recipe for Success

Voelker explains that creative conversations are the heart of the program’s success. What if educators and organizations collaborated to address wish-list items that often remain unmet due to time constraints or resource limitations? By thinking outside the box, Central Penn College bridges gaps. It’s about moving beyond traditional college courses. Voelker explains, “It’s OK. This is how we have done it. How do you need it? How can we work together to make it a win, win, win? Not just for the college, not just for the employer, but for the learner as well.”

Central Penn College’s Center for Workforce Excellence is a beacon of innovation, proving that education can be dynamic, responsive, and transformative. By embracing customized solutions, fostering partnerships, and nurturing creative conversations, Central Penn paves the way for a brighter future where learners thrive, businesses flourish, and communities grow together.

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Angela

Angela Britcher is a writer, communications professor, and instructional designer. She works with The Babb Group and Edusity.
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