Manufacturing PA grant awarded to Robert Morris University

Following the recent approval of a grant through Gov. Tom Wolf’s Manufacturing PA program, staff from Robert Morris University (RMU) joined Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Dennis Davin to tour RMU’s new space in the Energy Innovation Center.

The center, which is touted as a “living laboratory” for education and workforce training programs, has dedicated space for a variety of entities, including but not limited to the Citizen Science Lab, Penn State University, University of Pittsburgh, Radiant Hall Studios, and ZEO Technologies, Inc.

“The manufacturing sector has always been a top priority for Governor Wolf, and with Manufacturing PA now up and running, it’s enabling us to help strengthen the sector more than ever before,” Davin said. “With this Training-to-Career grant, RMU’s new program is going to give job seekers the skills they need to get great, family-sustaining jobs in the manufacturing sector. RMU’s program will be an excellent complement to all of the other amazing programs offered here at the Energy Innovation Center.”

The Pennsylvania Manufacturing Training-to-Career program, one of three components of Wolf’s Manufacturing PA initiative, was designed to provide those seeking jobs in the manufacturing sector with the skills they need to gain employment. The Training-to-Career program, along with Industrial Resource Centers and the Pennsylvania Manufacturing Innovation Program, was launched in October 2017.

While the funded training program will begin at RMU’s Moon Township campus, it will move to the Energy Innovation Center once RMU’s space is complete.

“Robert Morris University is truly honored to receive this grant,” Maria Kalevitch, dean of the RMU School of Engineering, Mathematics and Science, said. “As the only institution in Pennsylvania with an ABET-accredited degree in manufacturing engineering, we are strong supporters of the state’s workforce development initiatives and we look forward to playing an important role in boosting the economic vitality of the Pittsburgh region.”