Delaware Valley resource center receives $189,000 state grant

The Pennsylvania Manufacturing PA Training-to-Career Program (MTTC) recently awarded the Delaware Valley Industrial Resource Center (DVIRC), an economic development business consulting firm, a $189,000 grant.

DVIRC will use the funding on behalf of six participating companies to address the need for sewing machine operators in southeastern Pennsylvania’s textile industry.

This will be achieved through the creation of a training collaborative. DVIRC will facilitate a strategic planning process with the companies to determine the requirements. DVIRC also will work with immigrant/refugee service organizations to create an informal network to identify, screen, and place a minimum of 10 viable candidates into vacant positions.

“The DVIRC is extremely grateful to DCED for this MTTC funding, which will help us increase the capacity for skilled manufacturing talent that is so desperately needed throughout the region,” Tony Girifalco, DVIRC executive vice president, said. “Within the project, we will also be working with several immigrant and refugee service organizations to tap into their client base to increase the pool of workers for companies in their communities.”

DVIRC’s primary focus is assisting clients in growing their businesses through consulting services, training and education, and executive network groups.

The MTTC program has awarded more than $18 million to fund 86 projects.