DuBois

Registration open for spring continuing education courses at Penn State DuBois

Examples of jewelry made during a previous session of the jewelry making and metalsmithing courses offered through continuing and community education at Penn State DuBois. Credit: Penn State. Creative Commons

DuBOIS, Pa. — Continuing and Community Education at Penn State DuBois now has registration open for numerous courses for spring 2025.

Jewelry making and metalsmithing

One of the course areas that allows students to explore their creativity and artistic ability are beginner and advanced jewelry making and metalsmithing courses. These courses offer students the experience of exploring the technical challenges, the discovery of design and creating their own jewelry.

In the beginner course, participants will learn basic metalsmithing techniques such as fabrication, piercework, surface treatments, annealing and cold-joining. No prior metalsmithing or art knowledge is necessary for this class. Experienced students are also welcome.

“This class will give students the necessary skills to create their own custom pieces both in class and at home,” John Brennan, director of continuing and community education at Penn State DuBois, said. “Individuals who take this course will make custom jewelry that will make great holiday gifts, or they can keep themselves as unique pieces that family and friends will admire.”

Participants will create two to three pieces of finished jewelry. Potential projects include pendants, brooches or rings. Basic materials will be provided and are included in the cost of the class. Students will be required to bring a small tool kit. A link to purchase a kit will be provided upon registration for those without tools.

The advanced course allows those who enjoyed the beginner course, or those who have been doing metalsmithing on their own, to learn more advanced skills. In this class, students will learn advanced jewelry fabrication and soldering techniques, stone setting and torch enameling. Knowledge of jewelry saw and basic metalsmithing techniques a must. Information and a link to purchase a small tool kit will be provided upon registration for those without the required tools. Basic materials will be provided and are included in the cost of the class. At this stage, students may purchase their own materials if they wish.

Bobbi Shaffer Ingram, the instructor for this course, is a silversmith and jewelry maker with studios in DuBois and Amarillo, TX. She received her undergraduate degree from Penn State and a Master of Fine Arts in Jewelry and Metals from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. For 17 years, Bobbi has been creating art jewelry as well as clean and classic wearable designs. Her jewelry line can be described as simple, earthy, timeless designs that promise endless wearability. Shaffer is also dedicated to teaching others the art of metalsmithing.

American Sign Language

Introduction to American Sign Language, “Listen with Your Eyes,” aims to achieve the goal of teaching finger spelling, conversational phrases, and a variety of commonly used signs. The class will include introducing students to Deaf culture and a variety of websites for independent learning. Students will be introduced to the concept of "what does it look like?" as an approach to learning this language in comparison to learning a spoken language and how words sound. Class structure will include small-group centers for practicing and improving skills.

Advanced American Sign Language, “Listen with Your Eyes II,” is an intermediate class that has been designed to help students who have already taken the introductory class or those with some level of knowledge of American Sign Language looking to increase their communication and conversational skills. Building upon their existing knowledge, students will work in small groups and participate in role-playing exercises that will expand their level of understanding of the concept of “what does it look like?” Students also will be asked to develop an independent study project that will help them when working in a social service situation involving clients who use American Sign Language as their means of communication.

Several offerings offer opportunities for individuals looking to advance their career, or explore a career change:

Personal care home administrator

The personal care home administrator course is for current and aspiring personal care administrators or nurses, caregivers, and healthcare professionals who wish to fulfill continuing education requirements.

In order to be hired and work as a personal care home administrator in Pennsylvania, you must meet the educational requirements, complete the 100-hour program, pass the test, and attend a one-day Department of Human Services Orientation. There is no fee for the orientation. The PCHA exam will be offered in person on campus or online via Zoom.

Entry level CNC lathe training

This 67-hour course is for job seekers and existing employees who would like to learn the basics of CNC lathe operating and programing skills. This course not only features engineering instructors from the region, but also features numerous veteran CNC operators to allow students to gain both knowledge and skills to become CNC lathe operators. All classes will take place on campus.

Utilizing some of the region’s best engineering instructors and veteran CNC operators, students gain both the knowledge and the skills to become CNC Lathe operators. Hands-on classes are taught using a brand new, state-of-the-art Smart Machine Tool NL 1500 CNC Turning Center, featuring Industry Standard FANUC controls.

Die setter training

Penn State DuBois has worked with several of the region’s leading manufacturing companies to develop a 70-hour course for both existing employees and job seekers who have the aptitude and skills needed to become a valuable die setter. The classes all take place in St. Marys and DuBois over a three-month period.

Utilizing some of the region’s best engineering instructors and veteran die setters, students gain both the knowledge and the skills to tackle all types of press set-ups from straight-wall, flange and spherical to multi-action set-ups like dual top and dual bottom processes. Hands-on classes are taught using Gasbarre presses.

Anyone who is interested in learning more about these courses for themselves or others can contact John Brennan.

Continuing and Community Education at Penn State DuBois is a bridge between Penn State resources and our partners, including business and industry, non-profit organizations, educational institutions, and state and federal agencies. Our programs cover manufacturing and quality, engineering, human and health services, food service, computer and electronics, construction, professional and business services and more.

Last Updated December 6, 2024