Gov. Tom Wolf announced last week that $143,000 in new funding was approved for The Challenge Program, Inc. (TCP) in Cambria County through Pennsylvania’s Manufacturing Training-to-Career program.
The funding will allow 11,000 students in western Pennsylvania to more closely interact with manufacturers and receive two years of programming and increased workforce development connections.
“Pennsylvania’s manufacturing industry powers our economy, and provides stable, good-paying jobs to workers across the commonwealth,” Wolf said. “As we look toward the future, we know that this industry will be more important than ever, and it’s critical that we help today’s students make the connections they need for tomorrow’s careers.”
TCP’s Manufacturing Awareness Program helps 10th-12th grade students at participating high schools learn more about local manufacturers and gain a greater understanding of manufacturing opportunities as well as specific positions local manufacturers are seeking to fill locally. Students also obtain the training and education pathways to enter those careers.
Currently, 30 high schools in 10 counties are partnered with TCP and manufacturing businesses. Through their work, TCP has connected more than 20 students with employment in manufacturing since 2016.
“At TCP we connect business and education while motivating students to develop good habits required to succeed in school and in their future careers,” said Sara Deyarmin Jones, director of Program Development at The Challenge Program, Inc. “A major part of this mission is a focus on high-growth industries, including manufacturing. This project will allow TCP and our business partners to have a greater impact on the career and training decisions that students start making before they graduate.”
Wolf’s Manufacturing PA initiative was launched in October 2017. Since then, the effort has funded 48 projects and invested more than $10.5 million through the Manufacturing PA Training-to-Career program, which helps companies identify and train a skilled workforce through targeted programs and services.
Manufacturers in Pennsylvania account for 12 percent of the commonwealth’s total output, and according to the Manufacturing Institute Report released by Deloitte, 84 percent of manufacturing executives believe there is a talent shortage in the United States