Matzie: Nearly $600,000 to expand apprentice opportunities for area workers
Programs to focus on diversity, recruitment of minority/disadvantaged communities
Rep. Robert Matzie March 12, 2020 | 3:49 PM
AMBRIDGE, March 12 – Two grants totaling $590,375 from the Department of Labor and Industry will expand apprenticeships for area workers and help ensure those opportunities are available for diverse and disadvantaged communities, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, announced today.
The funding is part of the PAsmart Registered Apprenticeship Grants, which are designed to increase opportunities for workers to earn a paycheck while learning through on-the-job training.
“Internships provide the best of both worlds: classroom learning for basic concepts and procedures, combined with workplace-based experience that provides hands-on training,” Matzie said.
“Our area workforce development boards have been making a concerted effort to broaden these valuable ‘learn while you earn’ opportunities and ensure they are available to a diverse range of workers. A focus on building diversity ensures that job seekers from all socioeconomic backgrounds have the same opportunities and strengthens Pennsylvania’s workforce.”
Matzie said the grants include the following:
- $400,000 to the Southwest Corner Workforce Development Board to strengthen apprenticeship opportunities and build diversity within the construction and building trades.
- $190,375 to Catalyst Connection, which serves Beaver, Allegheny and other counties, to add 15 apprentices to the industrial manufacturing technician apprenticeship program, with recruitment from minority and disadvantaged communities.
The grants are part of a $6.5 million statewide package that includes $1.6 million for supporting registered apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships through Ambassador Networks, more than $2.9 million to build a diverse talent pipeline and expand non-traditional apprenticeship, and $2 million to build diversity within the construction and building trades.
The PAsmart Apprenticeship Grants are part of a $40 million program that includes $20 million for apprenticeships, Next Generation Industry Partnerships and career and technical education. PAsmart also provides $20 million to expand science and technology education in schools.