Nov. 12—When members of the Laurel Highlands Workforce and Opportunity Center board were looking for a model, they didn't have to look far.

"We're a replication site for Manchester Bidwell in Pittsburgh, which has been around for 50 years," CEO Greg Daigle said. "When it comes to adult training, you go to employers in your area, ask them what they need, and with their help, you create a curriculum that goes to the state Department of Education for approval."

In Laurel Highlands' case, that class is for students looking to become clinical medical assistants. It's part of a partnership with Excela Health.

"The class began in July, we'll graduate students in February, and if they choose, they'll have a job waiting for them at Excela," Daigle said.

On Friday afternoon, Daigle, board chair Patrick Wallace and others cut the ribbon on the Laurel Highlands Workforce and Opportunity Center on Donohoe Road in Hempfield. The nonprofit purchased the former Achieva building in 2021.

Eleven employees are on staff to train students, and seven of them came out of retirement to work at the center, according to Daigle.

"It includes master nurses, former guidance counselors — people who like the mission and want to be involved in things," he said.

In addition to offering a free education, the center offers a variety of support services to remove barriers to success, Daigle said.

"A lot of human resources managers and owners have issues with employees who can't come to work due to child care or vehicle issues," he said. "So we also pay for child care and offer travel assistance, behavioral counseling and tutoring."

Center officials have funded the program to this point with partnerships and private donations, but they received a public shot in the arm on Friday. State Rep. Eric Nelson, R-Hempfield, announced that the nonprofit had secured a $1 million Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program grant from the state for future capital improvements.

"We're going to be branching out into even more programs with Excela, as well as with county manufacturers," Daigle said. "Those are the top two employers in Westmoreland County, and we have one major manufacturer already working with us to roll out a class."

Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce CEO Dan DeBone said he was excited to have the group educating and training students in a field where employers are looking to add workers.

"We have an opportunity to cut a ribbon associated with workforce development, health care and soon, it sounds like, manufacturing," DeBone said. "That is exceptional."

For more on the center, see LHWOC.org.

Patrick Varine is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Patrick by email at pvarine@triblive.com or via Twitter .