HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania is making a bold move to future-proof its workforce and supercharge the economy. The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) recently announced an investment of nearly $5 million in Industry Partnership grants to create innovative training opportunities, prepare workers for family-sustaining jobs, and address critical workforce challenges across the Commonwealth. With this initiative, the Shapiro Administration doubles down on its promise to make workforce development the backbone of Pennsylvania’s economic resurgence.
L&I Secretary Nancy A. Walker summed up the urgency and impact of these efforts, saying, “Industry Partnerships highlight the Shapiro Administration’s strategic and continued efforts to invest in Pennsylvania’s workforce. Through collaboration with local employers, educators, and community organizations, we can enhance training opportunities for our workers, address the needs of high-demand industries, and ultimately drive economic growth across the Commonwealth.”
What Are Industry Partnerships?
The Industry Partnership program isn’t your typical workforce development strategy. It’s a targeted, collaborative approach where employers within the same sector work alongside public partners—ranging from educators to economic development agencies—to tackle shared challenges and sharpen their competitive edge. These partnerships do more than just train workers; they build pipelines for talent, raise awareness about career opportunities, and create solutions that fit specific industry demands.
And Pennsylvania is focusing its efforts where it counts—key growth sectors like agriculture, healthcare, information technology, manufacturing, and transportation. These industries don’t just drive the state’s economy; they set the standard for innovation and job creation.
Why This Matters More Than Ever
Pennsylvania’s unemployment rate may be low, but many industries are still grappling with worker shortages. Employers report high demand for skilled talent, while potential employees encounter barriers like lack of training or resources. These grants are laser-focused on bridging that gap. Workers will have access to cutting-edge training, apprenticeships, and opportunities to upskill, while industries will benefit from a stronger, more versatile workforce.
For the Commonwealth, this is about building a future where businesses and workers thrive together. It’s an investment that doesn’t just solve today’s problems—it lays the groundwork for sustained economic growth.
A Legacy of Investment
This latest $5 million investment builds on a track record of commitment. Under Governor Josh Shapiro, the Commonwealth has increased annual workforce development funding by $65 million—over 50% more than the 2022-23 budget. These funds fuel everything from apprenticeships to career and technical education (CTE) programs, ensuring Pennsylvanians are equipped to excel in the jobs of today and tomorrow.
Earlier in 2024, the Shapiro Administration announced $4.2 million in grants specifically to expand registered apprenticeships. These initiatives are more than just numbers—they represent life-changing opportunities for Pennsylvania workers and substantial boosts to the state’s industries.
How the $5 Million Will Be Put to Work
The grants span every corner of the state, from urban centers to rural regions, and target a variety of pressing needs. Here’s a snapshot of some of the funded projects:
- Healthcare Solutions in the Southwest: The Nurse Aide Training Hub will break down barriers for individuals entering the healthcare field and match them with employers, training providers, and community support services to build a robust workforce across nine counties.
- Tech Talent in Allegheny County: Partner4Work is leading efforts to promote diversity in technology pipelines and expand apprenticeships in one of the fastest-growing industries.
- Manufacturing Excellence across the Commonwealth: Partnerships like the South-Central Manufacturing Industry Partnership and the Southeastern Pennsylvania Manufacturing Alliance will focus on promoting careers in manufacturing, expanding youth career awareness, and adopting emerging technologies like AI.
- Support for Agriculture: The Ag Connect partnership will roll out agricultural career awareness programs, supporting the backbone of Pennsylvania’s economy.
- Targeting Emerging Needs: From the burgeoning steel industry to Pennsylvania’s banking sector, these grants align state resources with the industries poised for long-term growth.
And these are just the highlights. Across the board, programs will provide youth pipeline training, engage educators in workplace learning, and ensure businesses have the tools they need to retain workers and address talent shortages.
A Brighter Future for Pennsylvania
This isn’t a one-off investment—it’s part of a larger vision to transform the way Pennsylvania’s economy and workforce work together. Collaboration remains the key, and these Industry Partnership grants will bring stakeholders from every corner of the Commonwealth into conversation, creating sustainable solutions that benefit workers, businesses, and communities alike.
Pennsylvania has put its stake in the ground with this initiative, proving it is serious about building a workforce that is nimble, skilled, and ready to lead in a rapidly changing economy. Workers gain pathways to meaningful, family-sustaining careers. Employers get the talent they need to innovate and grow. Communities benefit from a stronger economy and a more equitable future.
The $5 million investment signals more than just funding—it signals a commitment to action, progress, and opportunity. The Shapiro Administration is turning workforce development into a rallying cry for a more prosperous, equitable Pennsylvania.
The message is clear. Pennsylvania’s economy isn’t just recovering. It’s advancing. And it’s doing so with its people and industries leading the way.
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