SALTSBURG, PA — Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Director of Workforce Development Initiatives Gwen Ross this week announced a new investment of $200,000 by the Shapiro Administration. The funds will be used to launch a new Welding Technology Workforce Development Program at the River Valley School District STEAM Academy in Indiana County.
The Manufacturing PA Training-to-Career (MTTC) grant will support the program, which aims to meet the welding needs of regional businesses. The comprehensive Welding Technology Program will provide students with both academic and hands-on training in basic and advanced welding and metal fabrication, the use of various hand tools and power equipment, and field operations.
A significant portion of this real-world welding experience will take place in a 37-booth welding lab. Here, students will have the opportunity to become proficient in Stick, MIG, TIG, and Flux-Core welds, as well as oxy-acetylene cutting and welding. Additional training will be provided on a plasma cutter and a robotic welding unit.
Director Ross expressed enthusiasm about the program’s potential. “This is truly a hands-on approach to spark young Pennsylvanians’ interest in a rewarding career and helping meet manufacturers’ critical need for well-trained professional welders,” she said. “Students looking for a career path and adult workers already in the job market can develop the advanced tech skills they need to qualify for apprenticeships and well-paying manufacturing opportunities that are available right now.”
Upon completion of the program, both student and adult learners will have the opportunity to participate in a pre-apprenticeship program. This experience will allow them to refine their skills in a real-world environment. Successful completion of the pre-apprenticeship qualifies them to enter a trade union apprenticeship program or secure a job with a regional manufacturer.
River Valley District Superintendent of Schools Philip Martell expressed gratitude for the support and collaboration. “Partnerships are a crucial part of implementing workforce development programs to help our students achieve success and to align with the needs of regional manufacturers,” he said. “Our sincere thanks to the Shapiro Administration and Director Ross for helping us achieve these goals and supporting students of the River Valley STEAM Academy on the path to career success.”
The MTTC grant program works in collaboration with local manufacturers to identify and teach missing essential skills for entry-level applicants seeking manufacturing employment. It also aims to engage youth or those with barriers to career opportunities in manufacturing, and advance capacity for local or regional manufacturers.
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