A Williamson Education

Williamson takes a unique approach to technical education. Over the course of three years at the college, students receive a broad education that includes study of trade and technical theory in the classroom and realistic work projects. Students also receive academic instruction that is designed to contribute to their career success. This well-rounded training is intended to provide graduates with the skills necessary for success in a wide variety of career options, from positions in the trade and technical fields to employment as small business owners.

But training at Williamson goes far beyond the classroom, as students live in a carefully structured environment that includes daily chapel, work details, a dress code, and clearly defined rules and responsibilities. A Williamson education emphasizes the importance of moral values, industry, and quality workmanship. The goal is to instill in students character traits for success in life and on the job, including self-discipline, personal integrity, and reliability.

For more than 130 years, Williamson has been using its unique approach to education to prepare high-quality tradesmen and technicians. In the process, it has gained a national reputation for producing graduates who have become expert craftsmen, successful businessmen, respected citizens, and recognized leaders in their fields.

College Education Goals, Objectives, and Outcomes

General/Technical Education - To fulfill the mission of preparing young men to be productive, the college prioritizes general/technical education, with the goal of providing students with appropriate instruction and training in academic, trade, and technical areas in order to prepare them for employment.

Leadership Education - To fulfill the mission of preparing young men to be leaders, the college prioritizes leadership education, with the goal of developing and enhancing students’ leadership potential.

Character Education - To fulfill the mission of preparing young men to be respected, the college prioritizes character education, with the goal of developing that character of its students according to the Christian tradition, as exemplified in the school’s core values.

Objectives

General and Technical Education

• To educate students in courses of a general nature so that they will be equipped to succeed professionally and pursue further education, if desired.
• To educate and train students in trade and technical courses that will prepare them for entry-level employment in their respective professions.
• To provide students with the skills essential to being lifelong learners.

Leadership Education

• Drawing on academic and experiential learning opportunities, produce graduates with leadership skills to ethically influence others toward the achievement of a collaborative goal.

Character Education

• To develop a foundation for ethical decision making and behavior, drawing on principles of faith and personal integrity.
• To promote a sense of personal responsibility by fostering the positive habits of industry, as seen in a commitment to a strong work ethic and high standards.
• To promote a sense of responsibility to society by fostering an appreciation for others and a commitment to service.
• Encourage holistic personal growth and identity development throughout the program in alignment with the college’s core values, concepts of effective citizenship, and social justice.

Outcomes

General and Technical Education

• Demonstrate technical knowledge and skill in a specific trade.
• Demonstrate the ability to communicate orally and in writing.
• Demonstrate the ability to use scientific and quantitative reasoning.
• Demonstrate the ability to use critical analysis and reasoning.
• Demonstrate technical competence and information literacy.
• Demonstrate awareness of values, ethics, and diverse perspectives.

Leadership Education

• Demonstrate and apply concepts of followership within a team dynamic.
• Demonstrate an increasing skill to effectively work alongside and lead peers towards common goals.
• Demonstrate the ability to listen and respect the viewpoints of others.
• Describe and demonstrate leadership skills and concepts.
• Assess situations and modify leadership approach depending on the objective, the task, and the team.
• Display critical thinking and analytical skills in leading others towards a defined goal.

Character Education

• Exhibit an understanding of the importance of Williamson’s core values to their lives.
• Exhibit an increasing sense of diversity awareness.
• Exhibit an understanding of humanity that respects and values the dignity, worth, and distinct qualities of all individuals.
• Demonstrate positive intrapersonal values and behaviors, such as integrity, responsibility, diligence, self-control, and a positive attitude.
• Demonstrate positive interpersonal values and behaviors, such as respect, fairness, consideration, cooperation, stewardship of resources, civic mindedness, and an eagerness to help others.
• Understand the impact of community service towards effective citizenship and social responsibility.

Areas of Study

Associate in Specialized Technology Degrees

• Construction Technology-Carpentry Emphasis
• Construction Technology-Electrical Emphasis
• Construction Technology-Masonry Emphasis
• Landscape Construction and Management
• Machine Tool Technology
• Power Plant Technology

Length of Study – All programs are 3 years in duration

Enrollment – 330 (approximately)

Student/Faculty Ratio – 12:1 (approximately) Average Class Size - 18 students

Student Duties

Students must follow all college regulations, policies, and procedures. College policies and procedures are accessible through the Student Blackbaud portal to include, but not limited to, the Student Handbook, IT Policy Handbook, and Title IX Policy Manual.

Housing

All students must live in an on-campus dormitory supervised by an adult dormitory manager.

Physical Plant

Williamson’s campus includes Rowan Hall, Restall Sports Center, Carpentry Shop, Electrical Shop, Machine Shop, Masonry Shop, Lee Rowan School of Power Plant Technology, Lipp Educational Center, Dorrance H. Hamilton Horticultural Center, Walter M. Strine Sr. 2W9 Learning Center, Joseph L. and Marion M. Wesley Student Center, William L. McLean Jr. Technical Center, Grounds Buildings, sixteen dormitories, faculty homes, and athletic fields.

Location

The 220-acre campus is located in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, one mile west of Media and fourteen miles west of Philadelphia, near the intersection of US 1 and PA 352.

Accreditation

Williamson is approved and authorized by the Pennsylvania Department of Education to confer the Associate in Specialized Technology Degree.

Williamson College of the Trades is an accredited institution and a member of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE or the Commission - www.msche.org). Williamson College of the Trades’ accreditation status is accreditation affirmed. The Commission’s most recent action on the institution’s accreditation status on June 27, 2024 was to grant the institution accreditation. MSCHE is recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education to conduct accreditation and pre-accreditation (candidate status) activities for institutions of higher education including distance, correspondence education, and direct assessment programs offered at those institutions. The Commission’s geographic area of accrediting activities is throughout the United States. Williamson’s MSCHE directory listing may be accessed at this link: www.msche.org/institution/9235/. General inquiries may be sent to: President@msche.org.

Accreditation and approval documents are available upon request. An institution’s accreditation does not guarantee that credits earned at that institution will be accepted for transfer by any other institution. Decisions concerning the acceptance of credits by any institution other than the granting institution are made at the sole discretion of the receiving institution. Students considering continuing their education at or transferring to other institutions must not assume that credits earned at this school will be accepted by the receiving institution. Students must contact the registrar of the receiving institution to determine what credits, if any, that institution will accept.

Nondiscrimination

Williamson admits students of any race, color, creed, religion, or ethnic background to educational programs or activities it operates. The college does not discriminate on the basis of sex and prohibits sex discrimination in any educational program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and its regulations, including employment.