State funds two career-training programs

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The state’s Manufacturing Training-to-Career program recently awarded $379,500 to two organizations in Lancaster and Lehigh counties to boost manufacturing awareness for students.

The program helps companies identify and train a skilled workforce through targeted programs and services and brings awareness to careers and opportunities within the state’s manufacturing industry. Grants support projects that result in the advancement of manufacturing, job placement, or short-term work-readiness.

The Manufacturers Resource Center in Lehigh County received $192,500 to develop two programs: the PA Dream Team, which will provide on-the-job training following graduation and engage and recruit potential future employees, and the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) program that will work with five local high schools and 10 local manufacturers.

Lancaster County Career and Technology Foundation in Lancaster County, in partnership with LancasterMakes, received $187,000 to engage middle school students and increase awareness of manufacturing careers before students begin selecting high school classes.

By the end of the year, LancasterMakes, a volunteer committee, hopes to increase participation to 5,000 host students and 100 host companies. Funding will also be used to purchase necessary class equipment, creating virtual tours and videos, website development, and advertising.

The Training-to-Career program has invested nearly $11.4 million and funded 52 projects since October 2017.