Student Services

CWCTC furthers the assistance of learning to other programs as well, to make sure that every student feels heard and supported. Special Education Services Program aid students with disabilities that come from all walks of life. 

Special Education

Workforce Education Coordinators (WEC) at Central Westmoreland CTC provide support to students with disabilities. The Workforce Education Coordinators hold special education certificates through the Pennsylvania Department of Education, as well as Job-Supported Employment Specialist certification through the Association of Community Rehabilitation Educators.

The WECs primary function is to address barriers to employment students may be experiencing, including assisting in the implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEP), completing Transition Task Lists (TTL), arranging for job shadow and other work experiences, regular data monitoring and direct support as needed. The WEC works closely with program instructors to monitor student progress on their program area task list, transition task list, certification attainment, and career pathway options. 

CWCTC is an approved Pre-Employment Transition Service (Pre-ETS) provider with the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation. The WECs provide instruction in the Pre-ETS courses: Self-Advocacy, Job Exploration, Workforce Readiness, and Independent Living Skills. These courses are offered to any student with an IEP, 504 Plan or Self-Disclosed disability. If you would like more information about Pre-ETS, please contact your child’s instructor/WEC. 

The CWCTC employs 12 Career and Technical Teaching Assistants (CTTA) to support students across CTE programs. CTTAs are certified as Job-Supported Employment Specialists through the Association of Community Rehabilitation Educators (ACRE), as well as receive specialized training specific to supporting students’ academic and technical skills in the career and technical setting. 

A Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) is contracted to provide specialized support to students experiencing barriers to employment. The CRC assists in pre-OVR referrals, Pre-ETS services, resume development, mock interviews, cognitive demand analysis, task analysis, and other activities to prepare students with disabilities for the workforce. This individual operates out of our Workforce Development “Mobile Office” which also hosts representatives from Careerlink and Westmoreland County Community College.

Workforce Education Coordinators

Taylor Bartlow 

Phone extension: 1354

Email: taylor.bartlow@cwctc.org

Programs: Agriculture and Landscape Design; Aspiring Educators; Auto Collision; Cosmetology; Restoration and Design

John DeMaria 

Phone extension: 1396

Email: john.demaria@cwctc.org

Programs: Computer and Information Science; Culinary; Health Occupations; Multimedia Design; Sports Medicine

Mark Long 

Phone extension: 1385

Email: mark.long@cwctc.org

Programs: Automotive Technology; Powerline; Protective Services; Robotics, Engineering & Manufacturing; Service Occupations

Chris Wagner

Phone extension: 1352

Email: chris.wagner@cwctc.org

Programs: HVAC & Steamfitting; Construction Trades; Electrical Technology; Welding

For more information and resource templates, please visit our WEC Shared Drive

Student Resources for Help

  • Westmoreland Transit Council
  • National Domestic Hotline – (800) 799-7233
  • Crisis Text Line – Text HOME to 741741
  • Safe2Say – 1-844-SAF2SAY (1-844-723-2729)
  • Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline – 1-800-4ACHILD
  • SAMHSA Distress Helpline – 800-985-5990 or text “talk with us” to 66746
  • 211 – National Suicide Hotline
  • Crisis Textline – Text CONNECT to 741741
  • National Alliance of Mental Illness – 1-800-950-6264 (Monday – Friday, 10am to 6pm ET)
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
  • CHIP
  • Ray of Hope
  • Hold Hope

Career Resource Links

Central Westmoreland CTC provides internet-based links that connect students with a variety of resources.  These resources offer student career objective information such as; Job outlooks, potential financial benefits, and post-secondary requirements. Teachers also provide training and how to navigate these sites.  The sites are utilized by students to prepare career objective statements, research to learn about careers, and make informed career decisions.  These resources are also available to all stakeholders who may mentor or discuss career options with students.