The state Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) recently awarded the Industrial Maintenance and Metalwork Training programs at Bucks County Community College (BCCC) a $400,000 Manufacturing PA Training-to-Career (MTTC) grant.
The grant program works collaboratively with local manufacturers to identify missing essential skills for entry-level applicants and then funds programs that provide students with hands-on experience for manufacturing jobs. Students also are mentored by industry professionals, tour job sites, and are placed in jobs upon graduation.
BCCC will use funding to train and provide placement services to 50 students for free.
“We are grateful for our partnership with Pennsylvania’s Department of Community and Economic Development,” Patrick M. Jones, BCCC president and CEO, said. “The Training-to-Career grant funding supports our collective efforts to prepare the next generation of skilled workers for good-paying jobs in high-demand fields.”
Since the launch of MTTC and BCCC’s programs, more than 470 students have graduated.
“Manufacturing has always been the backbone of Pennsylvania’s economy, and our investment in BCCC’s Industrial Maintenance and Metalwork Training programs will provide a classroom-to-career experience for students while meeting the needs of the region’s advanced manufacturers, ” Gwen Ross, DCED director of workforce development initiatives, said.
Manufacturing accounts for more than $116 billion in gross state product.