PHILADELPHIA – Governor Tom Wolf and the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry recently announced that Philadelphia workforce stakeholders will receive more than $2.5 million to support innovative approaches in industry partnership programs and apprenticeships.
The funding comes from PAsmart, the new workforce development initiative outlined last year by Governor Wolf to help Pennsylvanians enhance the skills they need for family-sustaining jobs. The PAsmart grants will fund numerous programs citywide, including two industry partnerships and 21 apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs.
“Employers have a critical role to play in our workforce development system as we prepare Philadelphians for the jobs of today and tomorrow,” said Mayor Jim Kenney. “Through industry partnerships, area businesses have the opportunity to directly influence this system. Apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships allow individuals to earn while they learn, while also giving employers the chance to train employees to their specific needs. I am thrilled about this investment that the Commonwealth is making in workforce development, and look forward to seeing the results here in Philadelphia.”
Industry partnerships bring together multiple employers in the same industry, along with workforce development and community partners. These public-private partnerships convene to align workforce planning with the needs of employers to create industry-specific talent development and retention solutions.
“Industry partnerships are a central piece of Philadelphia’s citywide workforce strategy,” said Sheila Ireland, Executive Director of the City of Philadelphia’s Office of Workforce Development. “Sharing similar goals, local industry partnerships will help build a workforce system that is more coordinated and effective. We are excited for this new investment into the city and grateful for the opportunity to promote career advancement for all Philadelphians.”
Philadelphia Works Inc. will administer the industry partnership grants.
“On behalf of the members of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Manufacturing Alliance, as well as all recipients of Next Gen Industry Partnership grants, we thank Governor Wolf and the Commonwealth for investing in partnerships that work,” said Frank Cettina and Karla Trotman, Co-Chairs of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Manufacturing Alliance. “These funds will allow us to establish more comprehensive services to help local employers address their talent development needs, as well as increasing our capacity to reach more businesses than ever before. This funding is further proof in the growing body of evidence to show that investments in Industry Partnerships pay real dividends for job seekers, businesses, and ultimately, the Commonwealth.”
The Southeastern Pennsylvania Manufacturing Alliance received $44,000 in grant funds for Next Gen IP convening and $198,000, for Next Gen IP implementation.
