U.S. Department of Commerce invests $22.8M in workforce training program

Philadelphia Works, Inc. will receive $22.8 million in federal grants to develop a workforce development program, U.S. Secretary of Commerce’s Gina Raimondo said Wednesday.

The funding, part of the Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration’s (EDA) American Rescue Plan Good Jobs Challenge grant program, would be used to create the Coordinated Southeastern Pennsylvania Workforce Development System, a workforce training coalition for the healthcare, clean energy and construction industries.

“President Biden’s American Rescue Plan funding through the Good Jobs Challenge will provide necessary investments in key sectors that will help build economic resilience and prosperity for Americans,” Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo said. “This EDA grant creates an incredible opportunity to place individuals in quality jobs and bolster local industries.”

By partnering with leading employers, the coalition will create pathways into good-paying, union jobs while focusing on underserved communities in Southeastern Pennsylvania.

“This $22.8 million investment is targeted — it’s going to reach a community that’s been historically underserved and provide residents there with good paying jobs in booming industries,” Gov. Tom Wolf said. “I’m beyond grateful to the Biden Administration for giving a hand-up to success for so many deserving Pennsylvanians. These are the investments that will give Pennsylvanians the tools they need to thrive tomorrow.”

Grant funding through the American Rescue Plan’s Good Jobs Challenge is awarded on a competitive basis. Thirty-two worker-centered, industry-led workforce training partnerships across the country won grant awards, out of more than 500 applicants.