New funding approved for machine, welding training program expansion in northwest Pennsylvania

New funding to the Precision Manufacturing Institute (PMI) in Crawford County was recently approved in an attempt to enhance the institute’s manufacturing training programs, Gov. Tom Wolf announced Friday.

“The purpose of the new Manufacturing PA initiative is to listen to our partners and employers in the manufacturing sector to identify their greatest areas of need, and then provide support that will address that need,” Wolf said. “This funding to the Precision Manufacturing Institute is a great example of how the private and public sectors can come together to strengthen the manufacturing workforce in Northwest Pennsylvania and help put workers on a path to success.”

The new funding will allow for the addition of more advanced training and placing an additional focus on employability skills that prospective workers need for a job within the manufacturing sector.

The grant announced Friday will provide PMI with $150,000 to enhance and expand its current curricula for Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machinists, electro-mechanical technology, and electric Arc welding. The program will draw applicants from Crawford, Erie, Warren, Forest, Mercer, Venango, and Clarion counties and is expected to provide technical and professional skills to 60 trainees.

“Our participation in the PA Manufacturing Training-to-Career grant program will enable PMI to provide the local economy with additional skill training identified by our Program Advisory Committees and local employers,” PMI Director Ed Petrunak said. “The Department of Community and Economic Development was helpful and easy to work with throughout the entire application process, and we appreciate their support.”