HARRISBURG, PA — Governor Josh Shapiro on Thursday announced a $3.3 million statewide investment aimed at strengthening Pennsylvania’s skilled trades and manufacturing workforce, unveiling the initiative during a visit to Junior Achievement of Western Pennsylvania in Allegheny County.
Shapiro was joined by Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary Rick Siger and Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry Secretary Nancy A. Walker as the administration detailed 21 new grants awarded through the Manufacturing PA Training-to-Career Program.
The funding is designed to expand hands-on training opportunities, expose students to careers in manufacturing and the skilled trades, and help employers fill critical workforce gaps across the Commonwealth. Administration officials said the latest round brings total Manufacturing PA Training-to-Career investments to more than $15.1 million since Shapiro took office, helping train over 3,300 Pennsylvanians.
“My Administration is investing in our workforce to support private sector businesses, attract new investment to Pennsylvania, and create real opportunity for our young people,” Shapiro said, emphasizing the administration’s push to strengthen classroom-to-career pipelines and expand alternatives to four-year college degrees.
During the visit, state officials highlighted Junior Achievement of Western Pennsylvania, which received a $100,000 grant to support its Careers in Skilled Trades initiative. The program provides immersive, hands-on experiences for middle and high school students, introducing them to manufacturing and trade careers across Beaver, Crawford, and Erie counties. Officials said the initiative is expected to reach more than 6,500 students.
Siger said the investment aligns with Pennsylvania’s long-term economic development strategy, which identifies manufacturing as a cornerstone industry. Walker added that the grants are intended to connect workers of all ages to in-demand, family-sustaining careers while keeping Pennsylvania competitive nationally.
The announcement builds on broader workforce efforts by the Shapiro administration, including expanded apprenticeships, increased funding for career and technical education, and the removal of four-year degree requirements for most state government jobs, steps officials say are reshaping access to employment and training across the Commonwealth.
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