Philly Leader

Gov. Tom Wolf announced Nov. 10 that $189,000 has been awarded to the Delaware Valley Industrial Resource Center for sewing operators in the textile industry through a “training collaborative.”

According to a release by Wolf, the money comes through the Pennsylvania Manufacturing PA Training-to-Career Grant program and will help with the industry in southeast Pennsylvania.

“The funding awarded will help increase workers in the manufacturing industry while taking steps to ensure there is a long-term solution,” Wolf said. “Throughout my administration, I have been committed to supporting Pennsylvania’s vital manufacturing industry. I am always pleased when MTTC funding is awarded and am proud of what this program has achieved.”

The DVIRC will be using the funds for six companies. A strategy-planning process with the companies will be put in place for requirements for the collaborative. This is to address long-term challenges, the release said. 

The DVIRC also will work with immigrant and refugee service organizations for a network to screen, identify and put job candidates in place for vacant positions. At least 10 people will be placed in open positions and receive training on the job.

The DVIRC is an economic development consulting firm that was created in 1988. It serves 4,500 small and midsized manufacturers in southeast Pennsylvania. The organization assists clients for consulting, training, education and executive networking. 

Since 2017 the Manufacturing PA initiative has funded 86 projects and invested more than $18 million.

According to the release, the training-to-career grants are used for short-term work readiness and job placement. It works with local manufacturers for funding what skills are needed for entry level employees. 

“The DVIRC is extremely grateful to DCED for this MTTC funding, which will help us increase the capacity for skilled manufacturing talent that is so desperately needed throughout the region,” said Tony Girifalco, DVIRC’s executive vice president. “Within the project we will also be working with several immigrant and refugee service organizations to tap into their client base to increase the pool of workers for companies in their communities.”