Plastics Training Academy

Leaders in Plastics Injection Molding Training and Education

Advance your skills with hands-on, industry-recognized plastics training at Penn State Behrend—one of the nation’s top engineering schools for plastics innovation.

The Plastics Training Academy (PTA) at Penn State Behrend offers globally recognized, hands-on training for plastics professionals. From injection molding principles and design of experiments (DOE) to part design and troubleshooting, our short courses help engineers, technicians, and managers enhance their processes and boost productivity.

Backed by the expertise of the School of Engineering—home to one of only four accredited Plastics Engineering Technology programs in the nation—our instructors bring decades of research, real-world experience, and innovation to every seminar.

For nearly 30 years, the Plastics Training Academy has been a trusted resource for the plastics industry, training thousands of professionals from companies across the globe. Whether you’re new to the field or seeking advanced molding optimization skills, Penn State Behrend provides the technical expertise and hands-on learning to help you succeed.

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.

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.

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. 

A group of students in a training session inside a plastics laboratory, led by an instructor, standing next to an ENGEL injection molding machine.

Testimonials

Learn more about the Plastics Training Academy from people who have experienced it.