Sign In
Upcoming Event
Free Newsletter
DCED Secretary Rick Siger announced a $1,669,817 investment to help boost Pennsylvania’s manufacturing industry. PHOTO/PACAST
Lehigh Valley company gains state grant to strengthen workforce
Ed Gruver//May 20, 2026//
Listen to this articleA Lehigh Valley company is receiving one of 10 new grants announced Wednesday by the Shapiro Administration to strengthen and expand the state’s workforce.
Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Rick Siger announced a $1,669,817 investment through the Manufacturing PA Training-to-Career (MTTC) to help Pennsylvanians chart their path to career success while helping to boost the manufacturing industry.
“The Shapiro Administration understands the importance of investing in the manufacturing industry and our workforce,” Siger said in a statement. “MTTC grants provide pathways for students to learn new skills and introduce them to rewarding careers. Manufacturing is a pillar of the Commonwealth’s economy, and this program ensures there are skilled workers to fill its needs.”
Berks County‘s Valley IBEW743 is receiving a grant of $295,446 for its IBEW Local 743 JATC PreApprenticeship and Apprenticeship Expansion.
This latest round of investments through the MTTC program will provide grants to support industries across Pennsylvania. According to a release, the MTTC awards will help schools, training providers, and organizations expose students to careers in skilled trades and manufacturing, provide hands-on training opportunities, and equip the next generation with the skills needed to secure good-paying, in-demand jobs.
Since taking office in 2023, Governor Josh Shapiro has invested more than $17 million through the MTTC program to help train over 3,500 Pennsylvanians for careers in manufacturing and the skilled trades.
IBEW Local 743 JATC is expanding their apprenticeship program to help meet the growing need of the industry. The proposed initiative aims to modernize and expand the IBEW LU743 JATF electrical apprenticeship program to meet these workforce demands. By strengthening recruitment efforts, the program plans to increase apprentice enrollment.
