HARRISBURG – More than $850,000 in PAsmart Apprenticeship and Next Generation Industry Partnership grants for North Central Pennsylvania have been awarded today by the Department of Labor and Industry, according to state Sen. Gene Yaw (R-23), state Rep. Garth Everett (R-84) and state Rep. Jeff Wheeland (R-83).
Nine grants totaling $403,463 for apprenticeships and $453,300 for Next Generation Industry Partnerships will support job training in advanced manufacturing, healthcare, and building and construction in North Central Pennsylvania.
“These grants will boost workforce readiness and provide our area businesses with the skilled workers they need,” Sen. Yaw said. “These are exactly the kind of projects we should be supporting, and those which I have been advocating for.”
“The more we can expand these workforce development and training opportunities across Pennsylvania, the more prepared our labor force will be to take on high-skill, high-wage employment,” said Rep. Everett. “Every Pennsylvanian should have a chance to better their futures and these grants will go a long way in propelling our communities and economy.”
“Williamsport, Pennsylvania once had more millionaires per capita than any other city in the United States, due in large part to our lumber industry,” said Rep. Wheeland. “These grants will help the newest industries in Lycoming County connect with the next generation of workers so they have the skills needed for quality jobs.”
The funding includes:
- A $77,050 registered apprenticeship grant awarded to the Pennsylvania College of Technology to increase the number of partners in existing registered programs sponsored by the college, and help fund the creation of two new college-sponsored registered apprenticeship associations.
- A $149,413 registered apprenticeship grant awarded to Workforce Solutions for North Central PA to ensure that partners have the knowledge and expertise necessary to implement effective pre-apprenticeships and apprenticeships to increase the number of pre-apprenticeships and registered apprenticeships programs in the north central region’s manufacturing and healthcare industries.
- A $100,000 pre-apprenticeship grant awarded to the Pennsylvania College of Technology to expand the existing 10-month advanced manufacturing pre-apprenticeship program serving high school students and will establish the college’s first healthcare pre-apprenticeship program serving underemployed or unemployed adult populations and out-of-school youth.
- A $77,000 pre-apprenticeship grant awarded to Workforce Solutions for North Central PA to implement at least three pre-apprenticeship programs at local school districts in connection with a local powdered metal manufacturing company, and to support the current Building Trades Registered Apprenticeship program.
- A $45,000 Next Generation Industry Partnership Convening grant awarded to Workforce Solutions for North Central PA to create an industry partnership in the Building and Construction industries.
- A $45,000 Next Generation Industry Partnership Convening grant awarded to Workforce Solutions of North Central PA to create an industry partnership in the healthcare industry.
- A $140,000 Next Generation Industry Partnership Implementation grant awarded to Central PA Workforce Development Corporation to implement business-driven priorities and action plans to support an advanced manufacturing industry partnership.
- A $140,000 Next Generation Industry Partnership Implementation grant awarded to Workforce Solutions for North Central PA to implement business-driven priorities and action plans to support an advanced manufacturing industry partnership.
- A $83,300 Next Generation Industry Partnership Implementation grant awarded to Central PA Workforce Development Corporation to implement business-driven priorities and action plans to support a healthcare industry partnership.
“Apprenticeship is a natural extension of Pennsylvania College of Technology’s mission, addressing the skill shortages facing companies throughout the country,” said Dr. Davie Jane Gilmour, President, Pennsylvania College of Technology. “We help companies close the gap through innovative solutions to upskill their existing workforce, and infuse their ranks with talented graduates. This PAsmart funding helps us further develop and deliver the vital apprenticeship training component and creates a foundation for sustainability.”
Apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship grants are administered by the state Department of Labor and Industry. Next Generation grants, which connect area workers and industries through public-private partnerships, are administered by both Labor and Industry and the state Department of Community and Economic Development.
CONTACT:
Rita Zielonis (Yaw)
(717) 787-3280
Charley Hall (Everett)
(570) 546-2084
Jamie Maggs (Wheeland)
(570) 321-1270