BRISTOL, PA — To strengthen the advanced manufacturing workforce in southeastern Pennsylvania, the Shapiro Administration has unveiled a significant $400,000 investment in the Industrial Maintenance and Metalwork Training programs at Bucks County Community College (BCCC). This initiative, unveiled on Wednesday by Gwen Ross, Director of Workforce Development Initiatives at the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), aims to equip 50 students with the skills needed for thriving careers in manufacturing.
This latest funding, part of the Manufacturing PA Training-to-Career (MTTC) grant, underscores the Shapiro Administration’s commitment to strengthening Pennsylvania’s economic foundation by developing a robust pipeline of skilled workers. Since the inception of these programs, a total of $700,000 has been invested in BCCC by the administration to ensure a steady flow of job-ready professionals into the advanced manufacturing sector—a key pillar of Governor Josh Shapiro’s Economic Development Strategy.
Director Ross emphasized the strategic importance of this investment, stating, “The Shapiro Administration is focused on growing our economy and building a Commonwealth where all Pennsylvanians can follow their own path to success. Manufacturing has always been the backbone of Pennsylvania’s economy, and our investment in BCCC’s Industrial Maintenance and Metalwork Training programs will provide a classroom-to-career experience for students while meeting the needs of the region’s advanced manufacturers.”
The programs at BCCC are meticulously designed to offer students hands-on experience in various manufacturing roles, including machinists, maintenance and mechanical technicians, and maintenance mechanics. Through partnerships with industry leaders, students benefit from job site tours, mentorship from professionals, and assured job placements upon graduation. Remarkably, over 470 students have graduated from these programs, with an impressive placement rate of over 90 percent in high-paying manufacturing jobs.
Senator Steve Santarsiero praised the initiative, noting, “Bucks County Community College is leading the way with its Center for Workforce Development, preparing students for industrial skills jobs with free programs that offer hands-on training. I am thrilled the Shapiro administration is investing Manufacturing Training to Career funds to help the college grow the Industrial Maintenance and Metalwork programs.”
Representative Tina Davis expressed gratitude towards the DCED for acknowledging BCCC’s pivotal role in workforce preparation, stating, “I am incredibly thankful to Director Ross and Secretary Siger for recognizing the very important work that BCCC is doing here at our Bristol campus, and for providing this crucial funding to expand and enhance these efforts.”
Patrick M. Jones, President and CEO of BCCC, highlighted the significance of the DCED partnership, saying, “The Training-to-Career grant funding supports our collective efforts to prepare the next generation of skilled workers for good-paying jobs in high-demand fields.”
The MTTC grant program collaborates with local manufacturers to address skill gaps among entry-level applicants, engage youth and individuals facing barriers to career opportunities, and enhance the capacity of local manufacturing industries. This strategic investment in BCCC is poised to significantly impact the local economy by ensuring that Pennsylvania remains competitive in the global manufacturing landscape.
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