Philly Leader

Gov. Tom Wolf continues to roll out of new funding through the Pennsylvania Manufacturing PA Training-to-Career Program (MTTC), with the most recent funding going to the Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU) for job training for people leaving the justice system with jobs in manufacturing.

According to a May 10 release, $199,840 in grant funds will be used for salary, consultant and professional services, consumables, stipends and administrative support. The program will have four cohorts of 12 participants at a time, and the CCIU will work with the county justice system and community organizations on who can participate.

“I’m proud we can support this re-entry program,” said Wolf. “This program will help at-risk adults with achieving independent, steady careers in high priority occupations while filling the workforce needs of area manufacturing companies.”

The program is called the E3 Re-Entry Program (Exit, Enter, Employ), and participants will receive job readiness training and also training in social skills, positive self-change and problem solving. There will be manufacturing training in the following four areas: basic blueprint reading; basic shop math; basics of measurements and equipment; and soft skills. There will also be Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 10 certification and flagger certification.

“The E3 Re-Entry grant allows us the opportunity to make a positive future impact for a population that is often overlooked,” said Dr. George F. Fiore, executive director of the Chester County Intermediate Unit. “We are so grateful to be awarded this grant that will help these individuals with employability skills such as cognitive behavior therapy, professional skills training, and access to a career fair at the conclusion of the program.” 

Partners in the program will be Dansko, Herr Foods, Inc., IFM Effector, Inc., Keeler and SWF Industrial.

The Training-to-Career Grant program works with local manufacturers to find entry-level workers with the essential skills needed to succeed. It is for youth with barriers to career opportunities in manufacturing and also to help local and regional manufacturers. The focus is for short-term work readiness and job placement.

Since Wolf launched the Manufacturing PA Initiative in October 2017, the program has funded 70 projects with $15.6 million in investments through the Manufacturing PA Training-to-Career Grant program.