Funding for welding training opportunities announced in Bedford, Somerset counties

New funding through the Pennsylvania Manufacturing Training-to-Career program was recently approved to create two new welding training programs under the Greater Johnstown Career & Technology Center (GJCTC), according to Gov. Tom Wolf.

“With these Manufacturing PA grants, GJCTC will have even greater capacity to strengthen the region’s workforce,” Wolf said. “By providing funding to help individuals get the welding skills that are in such high demand in the area, we and GJCTC are helping businesses fill open positions while helping people get the skills they need to land good-paying, secure manufacturing jobs. It’s truly a win-win for the greater Johnstown area, and a great example of how the state and our educational institutions can work together for the greater good.”

The newly approved grant will provide $300,000 in funding to the GJCTC for the creation of two separate welding training programs, both titled “Learn Where You Earn.”

The first program will be made available in Bedford County and will include 720-hour welding training to 25 adults at a GJCTC satellite campus at Mission Critical. The second program will be offered at a satellite campus within J&J Truck Bodies in Somerset County. This program will provide 200-hour metal inert gas welding training to 40 job seekers.

“GJCTC is excited to be a part of this important initiative for our region,” Tricia Rummel, supervisor of adult education at GJCTC, said. “These training programs will not only benefit individuals seeking to improve their skills and find employment, but it will also benefit local businesses and the community as a whole.”