Tag: Manufacturing PA Training-to-Career Grant program

Northampton Community College received state funding to develop a Pathways to Manufacturing program that will serve 40 students in the Lehigh Valley. 

The college was awarded $199,125 through the Manufacturing PA Training-to-Career Grant program to implement Pathways to Manufacturing, a seven-week, 150-hour program that will introduce manufacturing occupations to low-income individuals, individuals who are basic skills deficient, veterans, and out-of-school youth who are unsure of their post-graduation plans or have had to change those plans due to the pandemic. 

 “The commonwealth recognizes the need for strong, entry-level talent in the manufacturing industry,” Gov. Tom Wolf said today. “Northampton Community College’s Pathways to Manufacturing program will get well-trained candidates out in the workforce quickly. My administration is pleased to support this program that will pair good, steady jobs with those who need them.” 

Those students who complete the program are expected to obtain entry-level employment in manufacturing or continue their education at a post-secondary institution. 

Pathways to Manufacturing is a shorter, introductory program that responds to the need for entry-level manufacturing workers. It recruits students who have had limited exposure to basic processes in manufacturing and the diversity of manufacturing careers, according to a statement from Wolf’s office. 

 “Our Workforce Development team at Northampton Community College is delighted to have received the funding to continue to deliver our ever-evolving manufacturing training programs that target out-of-school youth and career changers in the midst of the COVID pandemic,” said Michele Salkin, Northampton Community College program manager, Workforce Development. “These programs have been developed based on robust and current input from our local manufacturing employers regarding what they need in the way of hands-on skills and the employability skills so necessary to allow new hires to succeed and grow their careers long-term.”