Gov. Wolf announces funding for manufacturing training program in North Central PA

New funding for a manufacturing training program through Workforce Solutions of North Central Pennsylvania was approved this week, according to an announcement made by Gov. Tom Wolf.

Workforce Solutions will receive $150,000, allowing it to provide trainees with electronics and machinery training programs at no cost, which will, in turn, assist them in finding jobs with local manufacturers.

“One of the most important ways we can strengthen our workforce is to empower job seekers – especially those with barriers – and do everything we can to support them getting the skills they need to land stable, family-sustaining jobs in manufacturing,” Wolf said. “These no-cost trainings from Workforce Solutions of North Central Pennsylvania will give real opportunities to Pennsylvanians looking for a manufacturing job, even for those of whom paid training programs are out of reach.”

The new programs funded through Workforce Solutions are expected to serve 40 participants and will have a curriculum based on input from local manufacturers concerning the greatest regional needs that need to be met.

“Workforce Solutions was contacted by a group of manufacturing employers about the lack of job seekers who can skillfully build control panels. This electronics and instrumentation training is currently being developed and will be the first of the training sessions offered in our region through this funding,” said Pam Streich, director of strategic planning and project management for Workforce Solutions of North Central Pennsylvania. “I want to thank Governor Wolf for recognizing the need for this training and making these programs possible for us.”

The Pennsylvania Manufacturing Training-to-Career grant, which will provide the funding to Workforce Solutions, is one of three components of Wolf’s Manufacturing PA Initiative. Training-to-Career, along with Industrial Resource Centers and the Pennsylvania Manufacturing Innovation Program, was launched in October 2017 and serve to provide career training that benefits employees, employers, and the industry.