Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf announced the Greater Johnstown Career & Technology Center (GJCTC) would receive new funding through the states’ Manufacturing PA Training-to-Career Program (MTTC).
The funding will go to GJCTC’s welding training program in Bedford County, part of the school’s workforce teaching model called Learn Where You Will Earn.
“Local manufacturers need more qualified welders, and my administration is happy to help meet that need by supporting this in-demand training program,” Wolf said. “This GJCTC program not only helps meet that demand, it also gives area residents the opportunity to earn family-sustaining wages after completing this training.”
The GJCTC program, which began in July 2018, is located at its satellite campus in Mission Critical Solutions, a Bedford County business that hires welders. Each welding training course consists of 720 hours of training.
Phase One and Phase Two of the program will help 36 students earn American Welding Society (AWS) certifications and help 26 students obtain employment in the welding field. Currently, eight students are enrolled in the program and are expected to graduate in the summer of 2022.
The $200,000 MTTC grant announced Tuesday will support Phase Three of the program and allow the school to hose three more class sessions through December 2023. Funds will go toward equipment, tuition scholarships, and marketing.
“The Greater Johnstown Career and Technology Center is excited to be awarded this grant from DCED,” said Tricia Rummel, Supervisor of Adult Education. “The funding allows the school to train students within a business setting and makes the training affordable for them. The grant also provides area businesses with trained individuals to help fill worker shortages with their companies. It is a fantastic relationship that benefits everyone involved.”