International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local Union No. 375 was recently awarded $1 million to acquire and renovate an Allentown property for use as a lab space for IBEW apprenticeship programs.
“Location matters. IBEW has a great history of training the next generation of tradespeople,” Rep. Peter Schweyer (D-Lehigh County) said. “By locating their new facility in our urban core, IBEW is ensuring that all folks will have an opportunity to access these great family sustaining jobs.”
The renovations of the approximately 35,000-square-foot facility will result in new electric labs, classrooms, offices and meeting space as well as new entrances, new roofing, interior partitions, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) upgrades, streetscape improvements and mechanical, electrical and plumbing improvements.
The award is supported through the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) program, which provides funding for critical expansion projects, including some which will provide opportunities for further economic development.
“An important part of a healthy and growing economy is the availability of a qualified and skilled workforce,” Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Pat Browne (R-Lehigh County) said. “This RACP for IBEW 375 for renovations to expand its training and apprenticeship programs at its new headquarters in downtown Allentown will help ensure electrical workers entering the job market have the necessary training and skills to perform work that is both high-quality and extremely safe.”