The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) recently awarded five registered pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs more than $397,000 in Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act grants.
The funding will support the expansion of job opportunities, building diverse talent, and reaching underrepresented populations in the building and construction trades.
“These programs will help alleviate barriers to access, create a talent pipeline that is equipped with the skills needed to be successful in the modern labor market, and ultimately strengthen diversity, equity, and inclusivity within the building and construction trades,” L&I Secretary Nancy A. Walker said.
The awardees will receive funding through March 2025.
Apprentice Training for the Electrical Industry will receive $115,169 to expand its Rosie’s Girls pre-apprenticeship program in Philadelphia and the surrounding counties to familiarize young women with basics of electrical and telecommunications installation.
Steamfitters Local Union No 449 JATC will receive $90,000 to expand its registered apprenticeship program in the building and construction trades.
EVOLVE will receive $65,000 for its Youth Trades Academy that engages high school students with career development and skills needed to obtain jobs in carpentry and electrical trades.
The Pittsburgh A. Philip Randolph Institute Education Fund will receive $65,000 to enhance its Breaking the Chains of Poverty Career Pathways pre-apprenticeship program.
I-LEAD will receive $62,255 to establish an outreach and training program.