HARRISBURG, PA — The Shapiro Administration has invested $199,840 into the North Hills School District Welding Program through the Manufacturing PA Training-to-Career (MTTC) grant program. This initiative is designed to provide advanced skills training to students, leveraging new equipment and instructional support to prepare them for entry-level roles in the manufacturing sector.
The program, based in Pittsburgh’s North Hills School District, not only equips students with essential welding skills but also introduces them to career opportunities through workshops, facility tours, and mentorship initiatives. These efforts align closely with local manufacturers to ensure training addresses workforce skill shortages and helps graduates transition seamlessly into employment.
“The Shapiro Administration recognizes that in-school career programs like the North Hills Welding Program benefit both our workers and the manufacturing industry,” said Gwen Ross, Director of Workforce Development Initiatives at the Department of Community and Economic Development. “Engaging students with advanced technology experiences helps to meet the needs of the industry while placing young Pennsylvanians on the path to rewarding careers in manufacturing.”
With over a decade of operation, the North Hills Welding Program has become an essential tool in bridging the skills gap, fostering strong partnerships with local businesses, and offering hands-on education. Bill Gasior, the school district’s Director of Grants and Fundraising, expressed enthusiasm about the impact of the grant.
“This support from the Shapiro Administration through the Manufacturing PA Training-to-Career grant is transformative for the North Hills Welding and Technology Education program, our students, and the regional manufacturing industry,” said Gasior. “It enables us to refresh and refurbish our equipment to continue to provide our students with the best-in-class hands-on skills and training they need to excel in high-demand careers, while also addressing critical workforce needs for local manufacturers. Together, we’re building a pipeline of talent that not only strengthens our community but also ensures the future success of manufacturing in Pennsylvania.”
The MTTC program is a collaborative effort that identifies and addresses essential skill gaps in manufacturing while creating employment opportunities for students and underserved groups. By investing in youth development and modernized training, the Shapiro Administration is taking active steps to bolster Pennsylvania’s reputation as a manufacturing hub.
This investment, paired with Governor Josh Shapiro’s broader emphasis on workforce development in his 2025-2026 budget proposal, aims to equip the next generation with the tools needed to thrive in a competitive industry. These efforts strive to secure long-term growth and sustainability for Pennsylvania’s manufacturing sector.
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