Allegheny County apprenticeship programs receive $716K boost

State grants support career pathways in robotics, carpentry

Allegheny County Delegation    January 11, 2023 | 12:26 PM

PITTSBURGH, Jan. 11 – Local programs to develop and expand opportunities for students preparing to enter the workforce were awarded more than $716,000 in grants through the state Department of Labor & Industry’s Schools-to-Work Program, the state House Allegheny County Democratic Delegation announced today.

“Creating better job opportunities for our next generation of workers is foundational to continue growing our region’s economy,” said Rep. Nick Pisciottano, the delegation chair. “Investments like this support the idea that all Allegheny County workers deserve careers that allow them to raise a healthy family, own a home, and pursue their own happiness.”

The following grants were among $2.7 million awarded today throughout the state:

  • $250,000 to Carnegie Mellon University to support their Robotics and Advanced Manufacturing Pathways for Underserved Populations (RAMP UP) approach, leveraging trained staff and resources from Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy to deliver SMART Robotics technician training to underserved formal credit recovery high-school students (aged 17-21) at Passport Charter School, a formal learning site where this type of training is typically not found.

  • $250,000 to PHASE 4 Learning Center to support their Giving Opportunities through Robotics and Manufacturing program, designed to prepare individuals from underserved communities in Allegheny County with opportunities to earn a high school diploma, receive workforce training, earn credentials, access apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships, and enter the workforce earning a life-sustaining wage.

  • $216,894 to Pittsburgh Public Schools to support their Pipeline Into The Trades (P.I.T.T.) Pre-Apprenticeship Program, aimed at augmenting the Career and Technical Education division’s existing carpentry program of study to better prepare students to gain entry into the Carpenters’ Union Apprenticeship Program.

More information on L&I grant programs is available here.