The Pennsylvania’s Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) recently awarded $3.3 million in Manufacturing PA Training-to-Career (MTTC) Program to 21 schools, training providers and organizations. The program helps expose students to careers in the skilled trades and manufacturing and provides hands-on training opportunities.
The awards were announced Thursday when DCED Secretary Rick Siger visited Junior Achievement of Western Pennsylvania in Allegheny County with Gov. Josh Shapiro and Department of Labor & Industry Secretary Nancy Walker.
“Like Gov. Shapiro, I’ve always believed that college isn’t for everyone — but that
doesn’t mean fewer opportunities,” Greg Bernarding, Pittsburgh Regional Building Trades Council business manager, said. “What matters is that every young person in Pennsylvania has a real path to a good, family-sustaining career. Investments like this expand access to hands-on training that prepare workers for in demand jobs, strengthen our workforce, and help employers grow. Organized labor is proud to stand with Gov. Shapiro in building the skilled workforce Pennsylvania needs.”
Since 2023, the Shapiro administration has invested more than $15.1 million through the MTTC program. Funding helped train more than 3,300 people.
Junior Achievement of Western Pennsylvania provides students with financial literacy and entrepreneurship skills, and work readiness. It serves 56 counties in western Pennsylvania and northern West Virginia.