Merski, Harkins: $250,000 secured to strengthen Erie apprenticeship opportunities
Rep. Robert Merski, Rep. Patrick J. Harkins January 11, 2023 | 10:43 AM
ERIE, Jan. 11 – New funding of $250,000 awarded to Early Connections will help smooth the path from the classroom to the workplace for Erie students, state Reps. Bob Merski and Pat Harkins announced.
The lawmakers, both D-Erie, said the funding comes from the Schools-to-Work Program administered by the state Department of Labor and Industry.
“Venturing out of the classroom and into a work environment is one of the best ways for students to discover how their skills and interests intersect with real-world workforce needs,” Merski said. “The new funding to Early Connections will help ensure Erie students continue receiving those opportunities.”
Harkins said, “Pre-apprenticeship programs can make the path from high school to the workplace smoother and more successful for students. With this funding, Early Connections can help students get the workplace visits, mentorships, job shadowing and other tools that are such an important part of the process.”
Early Connections serves Erie, Clarion, Crawford, Forest, Lawrence, Mercer, Venango and Warren counties.
More on Labor and Industry grant programs is available here: https://www.dli.pa.gov/Businesses/Workforce-Development/grants/Pages/Grant-Programs-at-LI.aspx.