Apprentice programs receive $2.5M in state L&I grants

The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) recently awarded 11 registered apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs more than $2.5 million in Schools-to-Work Program (STWP) grant awards.

Each awardee will receive up to $250,000 for the creation of pre-apprenticeship programs for recent high school graduates. The funding will prepare students for employment within targeted industries and enhance partnerships between employers, schools, training centers, and organizations.

“Choosing a career path is one of the most difficult challenges high school students face, and it’s often complicated for many by a lack of resources connecting them to proper training,” Secretary Jennifer Berrier said.

Carnegie Mellon University in Allegheny County received $250,000 for the Robotics and Advanced Manufacturing Pathways for Underserved Populations’ project. The project uses Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy staff and resources to provide SMART Robotics technician training to Passport Charter School students.

The Greater Northeast Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce in Philadelphia County received $237,740 to administer a pre-apprenticeship program with project partners Northeast High School and the Carpenters Joint Training Center of Philadelphia. The program will provide hands-on training to 60 students in carpentry and prepare students for continuing in one of the carpentry trades.

This is the third round of STWP grant funding. The 2023 Schools-to-Work programs will operate from June 1 through May 30, 2025.