Ken Healy, executive vice president, PMF Industries, leads a tour of the company for a group which included U.S. Rep. FRED Keller, R-Kreamer. MIKE REUTHER/Sun-Gazette

PMF Industries, Inc., Williamsport has been a training ground for people learning new skills needed for present and future jobs.

Company officials recently led a tour of the Williamsport plant to show off some of the work performed there.

The tour group included U.S. Rep. Fred Keller, R-Kreamer, as well as business and educational officials who expressed great interest in PMF’s apprenticeship program.

Four employees are presently in the company’s program as computer numeric control machinists committing three years for successful completion.

Several others have completed apprenticeships through the company.

The Central Pa Workforce Development Corporation in partnership with the Central Pennsylvania Apprenticeship Consortium received a $250,000 PAsmart grant to develop a pre-apprenticeship pathway for high school students in a number of school districts.

The grant funds equipment and supplies for those students enrolled at Williamsport Area High School, Keystone Central School District, Jersey Shore Area School District, Central Pennsylvania Institute of Science and Technology, Columbia-Montour Area Vocational Technical School, and other area schools and institutions.

Keller, for one, feels more students should consider apprenticeships.

“You should be encouraging students to look at all options, not just four-year degrees,” he said.

Ken Cryder, director of CMVT, said companies such as PMF are investing in their employees and growing them in jobs.

He said he hopes to have CMVT involved in apprenticeships.

“I think it’s an excellent opportunity for people,” he said. “You are not in a dead-end job.”

PMF Human Resource Manager Sam Shea said the hope is to grow the company’s apprenticeship program.

“We are working with high schools,” he said. “We want other companies and their employees to get involved.”

Ken Healy, PMF executive vice president, said the manufacturing company serves a variety of industries including aerospace and defense.

Some of the products turned out in the 145,000-square-foot facility along Reach Road include nuclear containment vessels and soft serve ice creamers.

“Customers really enjoy working with us,” he said.