Philly Leader

The Chester County Economic Development Foundation (CCEDF) was recently awarded $200,000 to create a program designed to help show students in Berks and Chester counties the relationship between agricultural and manufacturing careers.

The funding came through the Manufacturing PA Training-to-Career Program (MTTC), and the program being created is called Bridging Agriculture and Manufacturing in Berks and Chester Counties, Gov. Tom Wolf's office reported in a release.

This program has CCEDF's AgConnect and the Manufacturing Alliance of Chester & Delaware Counties' industry partnerships help students in in Kutztown, Octorara, Oley Valley and Owen J. Roberts high schools learn about different career opportunities, Wolf's office reported.

"Highlighting the connection between agricultural and manufacturing careers not only readies high school students for the workforce, it also broadens their horizons and helps them discover new career possibilities," Wolf said in the release. "CCEDF's program will inspire a new generation as it exposes them to how these two key industries work together to employ Pennsylvanians each year."

Students will have the ability to take part in in career showcases and workplace-readiness programs, Wolf's office reported. There are also "circuit days," where students tour several manufacturers. The program aims to provide real-world experiences for students.

"CCEDF and AgConnect have been serving the agriculture community for more than a decade by providing workforce training, financing, and business services, and engaging our future workforce through career exploration programs," Gary Smith, CEO of CCEDF, said in the release. "However, as technology continues to increase, we realize that many of the available jobs in agriculture are in manufacturing. We are excited to showcase the breadth and depth of career options, increasing student opportunity and helping ensure farming and manufacturing can thrive in our region for years to come."

Since the Manufacturing PA Initiative began in October 2017, it has funded 66 projects with over $14.8 million invested via MTTC, Wolf's office reported. The projects help with job placement and work-preparedness while working with local manufacturers to learn which skills are required from an entry level worker. The grants also go toward helping youths and those with barriers find manufacturing job opportunities.