Lehigh Times

On August 15, Gov. Tom Wolf announced new funding for Advance Central PA through the state’s Manufacturing PA Training-to-Career Program, in an effort to create awareness for students about Career and Technology Education (CTE) programs.

According to a release by Wolf, Advance Central PA will be using $80,058 in funds for creating five professional videos about local careers in manufacturing and local CTE programs. The programs are to prepare students for entry into careers with manufacturers. They are also a marketing campaign that showcases the innovation of CTE and the pathways they create to manufacturing careers, as well as educate in manufacturing events for guidance counselors and other educators to use to show how CTE prepares students for career opportunities.

“This is a great awareness campaign, one that benefits both students and area manufacturers,” said Wolf. “It will show students and their parents all of the wonderful opportunities available in the manufacturing industry while developing a strong pipeline of talented new candidates that will help area manufacturers thrive.”

The videos will be shown to about 5,000 students across partner school districts in the counties of Clinton, Lycoming and Union. They will also be on the Advance Central PA YouTube channel. The print materials will also be developed and displayed in partner schools.

Advance Central PA covers 5,370 square miles that includes the counties of Centre, Clinton, Columbia, Lycoming, Mifflin, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder and Union. It oversees programs designed for central Pennsylvania businesses to be competitive and create job growth.

The Manufacturing PA Initiative was launched in October 2017 and has funded 81 projects through $17.2 million in investments through the MTTC program. The training-to-career grants are for projects that result in short-term work readiness, his placement and manufacturing advancement. It works in collaboration with local manufacturers for the identification of the skills needed for entry level applicants.

“Advance Central PA is excited for this opportunity to showcase modern manufacturing and the related career and technical education programs available in Central PA that provide students the opportunity to graduate high school and quickly transition to a rewarding career and afford the lifestyle that fits their dreams,” said Erica Mulberger, Executive Director of Advance Central PA. “We hope this project enlightens parents, teachers, and students about these rewarding manufacturing career paths and creates a sustainable workforce for the region.”