Apprentice program receives more than $650,000

Pennsylvania’s Pre-Apprentice and Apprenticeship Grant Program recently awarded more than $650,000 to three programs in two counties that connect apprentices with classroom training.

The program assists employers with talent recruitment and development. Funding is to be used to increase apprenticeship accessibility, including expenses related to instruction that complements on-the-job learning.

“This funding supports programs designed specifically to offer the relevant and necessary trainings and certifications required to ensure apprentices are fully prepared and qualified to join the workforce,” Gov. Tom Wolf said. “My administration remains committed to backing apprenticeship opportunities throughout the commonwealth that assist apprentices in achieving the training necessary to secure a good-paying job.”

The Philadelphia Suburban Association of Plumbing, Heating, Cooling Contractors in Delaware County was awarded $297,000 for its Plumbing Apprenticeship School. Funding will train 30 apprentices annually between 2021 and 2024.

Catalyst Connection in Allegheny County was awarded $60,000 for its Industrial Manufacturing Technician apprenticeship program. The program is for small- and medium-sized manufacturers in Southwestern Pennsylvania.

The Associated Master Plumbers of Allegheny County was awarded $297,000 to address a lack of trained plumbing professionals in the seven-county region surrounding Pittsburgh. The organization will offer training with reduced tuition and attendance fees for 30 apprentices within a three-year program.