Plastics Training Academy

Short-term training. Long-term results.

Advance your skills with hands-on plastics manufacturing education from Penn State Behrend—one of the nation’s top engineering schools for plastics innovation. Plastics Training Academy offers industry-recognized workshops and seminars designed to help plastics professionals improve processes, solve real production challenges, and drive measurable results.

From foundational principles and scientific molding to design of experiments (DOE), part and mold design, materials selection, and troubleshooting, our short-term training programs equip engineers, technicians, and managers with practical expertise they can apply immediately.
 

PTA Instructor goes over a part with course attendees.

2026 Workshop and Seminar Schedule

Access the 2026 Plastics Training Academy workshop and seminar schedule, including dates, formats, and registration details.

View 2026 Schedule and Register
PTA Instructor Jason Williams goes over a part with course attendees.

Explore Plastics Courses by Topic or Technology

Our training topics range from basic plastics processes to today's most advanced plastics technologies. 

Brad Johnson pictured.

Meet Our Instructors

Our short-term workshops and seminars offer you access to industry-seasoned School of Engineering faculty and professionals who teach the latest design and processing techniques, focusing their attention on your specific training needs. The daily schedule provides lunch and refreshments during each program, which allows participants time to network with the instructor and each other.

Meet Our Faculty
Annie Gohn pictured.

State-of-the-Art Facilities and Equipment

Our hands-on plastics workshops are held in the 10,500-square-foot plastics processing lab, which is the largest, most comprehensive plastics training lab in the country.

Learn About Our Plastics Lab
Brad Johnson teaches courses in the Plastics Lab.

Plastics Engineering Undergraduate Program

Find out why our students launch their careers in the plastics industry upon graduation and how you can benefit. Whether you are a potential student or an employer, Penn State Behrend's B.S. in Plastics Engineering Technology program offers exciting opportunities.