Pierpont Community & Technical College Announces Schedule for Summer Manufacturing Camps
By Connect-Bridgeport Staff on May 19, 2025
Pierpont Community & Technical College has announced its lineup of 2025 Summer Manufacturing Camps. The camps will offer local middle and high school students hands-on experiences in welding, mechatronics, computer networking, and more. The four week-long camps will run throughout June and July, providing age-appropriate, project-based learning in a fun and engaging environment.
The camps are supported by SparkForce, industry sponsors, and local industry partners, including TC Energy and Hope Gas. This diverse industry backing highlights the need to develop skilled manufacturing talent in North Central West Virginia.
“These camps introduce students to manufacturing careers at an age when they’re just beginning to explore potential pathways,” said Kari Coffindaffer, Dean of the School of Business, Aviation & Technology. “By making these experiences fun and accessible, we’re addressing the critical workforce pipeline for our regional manufacturers while showing young people they can build rewarding careers right here in West Virginia.”
Each camp has been designed to provide age-appropriate, hands-on learning with specialized equipment and technology:
Virtual Reality Welding Camp (June 9-13): Middle school students (ages 11-14) will experience welding technology through innovative virtual reality simulators, providing a safe introduction to this high-demand skill.
Manufacturing/Mechatronics Camp (June 16-20): High school students (ages 14-17) will explore automation, robotics, and mechatronics principles while completing hands-on projects.
Beginners Welding Camp (June 23-27): High school students (ages 14-17) will learn the fundamentals of welding safety, tool identification, and precision measurement and create real welded projects.
Manufacturing/Mechatronics Camp (June 16-20): High school students (ages 14-17) will explore automation, robotics, and mechatronics principles while completing hands-on projects.
Beginners Welding Camp (June 23-27): High school students (ages 14-17) will learn the fundamentals of welding safety, tool identification, and precision measurement and create real welded projects.
Survival Networking Camp (July 7-11): High school students (ages 14-17) will master computer networking fundamentals through an engaging "zombie apocalypse" scenario in which they must rebuild digital infrastructure.
“Students don’t just learn how to use equipment—they learn how these skills translate to real careers,” said Jack Lowe, Program Coordinator for Advanced Welding at Pierpont.
In addition to technical skills, all camps incorporate entrepreneurship education through the curriculum provided by SparkForce. Students learn how manufacturing skills can lead to business opportunities and innovative product development.
The manufacturing camps will run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily at Pierpont’s campus in Fairmont. Registration is $100 per student. Each camp is limited to 12 participants to ensure quality instruction and adequate access to equipment.
“The generous support from our industry partners allows us to provide state-of-the-art experiences at an affordable price,” added Charles Christopher, Camp Coordinator. “These companies recognize that today’s campers could be tomorrow’s skilled workforce, and they’re investing in that future.”
Parents can register their children at go.pierpont.edu/camps.
