Lehigh Times

Gov. Tom Wolf (D-PA) has announced that $130,000 in new funding will be used for an ambassador program through the Delaware Valley Industrial Resource Center (DVIRC) for support of the manufacturing industry in southern Pennsylvania.

According to Wolf's website, the funds are coming through the Manufacturing PA Training-to-Career Grant program, which has been vital for training potential employees for a career in the manufacturing industry. The Manufacturing PA Initiative was launched in 2017, and since then it has used $15.9 million to fund 72 projects.

“This is an exciting and innovative program that I’m proud to support,” said Wolf said, according to his website. “Funding will be used to introduce students to the industry and encourage them to consider manufacturing-related careers after high school or as part of their post-secondary education. Ultimately, the goal is to build and improve the talent pool for southeastern Pennsylvania manufacturing companies, which is a true win-win for everyone.”

The “Dream Team” program will recruit at least 15 young manufacturing professionals to speak with students, teachers and administrators as ambassadors to the industry.

Sixteen companies will be involved in the “Dream Team” program from Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia Counties.

The Manufacturing Training-to-Career program is designed to help with short-term work readiness, job placement and other advancements in manufacturing. It works with local businesses and professionals in the industry to make students ready for work with the essential skills.

Barry Miller, who is the president and CEO of DVIRC, said that the award is big news for the region and will help in promoting the program. He said it is an important career awareness initiative that will benefit both students and the manufacturing businesses in southeastern Pennsylvania. 

“Dream Team is one piece of a larger effort to raise awareness about the great job opportunities in manufacturing, and we’re grateful to the Wolf administration for their confidence in and support of this program,” Miller said, according to Wolf's website.