WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Congressman Mark S. Critz (PA-12) announced today that the Westmoreland-Fayette Workforce Investment Board (WIB) has received a $3,302,460 federal grant to provide workforce education, training, and job placement assistance for local advanced manufacturing careers. The grant is being provided under the U.S. Department of Labor’s “H-1B Technical Skills Training Program.”
The Westmoreland-Fayette WIB helps individuals attain the skills necessary for viable employment and helps employers become competitive in the global economy. This grant will allow hundreds of local residents to complete education and training activities in high-demand occupations, such as Mechanical, Electrical, Sales and Industrial Engineering as well as Logisticians and Computer Programmers. These programs are targeted towards unemployed and underemployed workers.
“This program is a win-win for everyone - employers will get the skilled workers they need, and our local workers will be equipped with the necessary skills and abilities to succeed in new and emerging high-growth industries,” said Congressman Critz.
“A common issue throughout the employer community is the mismatch of the workforce and the skills needed for advanced manufacturing,” said Mr. William J. Thompson, Executive Director of the Westmoreland-Fayette Workforce Investment Board. “This grant will begin to address the skill gap faced by Southwestern Pennsylvania manufactures by providing 1) comprehensive assessments; 2) customized training for available job openings; and 3) an individualized career plan utilizing on the job training with a training account established for upgrading skills.”
The grant will be implemented by the Southwest Pennsylvania Manufacturing partnership. Membership is comprised of the four Workforce boards (Southwest Corner, Three Rivers, Tri-County, Westmoreland-Fayette), New Century Careers, Pittsburgh Chapter of the National Tooling and Machining Association and Pa Dept of Labor & Industry.
