Shapiro Administration Invests More Than $1.6 Million to Strengthen and Expand Pennsylvania’s Workforce

This latest round of investments through the Manufacturing PA Training-to-Career (MTTC) program will provide 10 new grants to support critical industries across Pennsylvania.

Since taking office, Governor Josh Shapiro has made workforce development a top priority - investing more than $17 million through the MTTC program since 2023 to help train over 3,500 Pennsylvanians for careers in manufacturing and skilled trades.

Workforce development is a cornerstone of Governor Josh Shapiro's Administration ― his 2026-27 budget plan calls for continued strategic investments in Schools-to-Work, apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs, career and technical education, and more.

Harrisburg, PA - Today, Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Rick Siger announced a $1,669,817 investment through the Manufacturing PA Training-to-Career (MTTC) Program to help Pennsylvanians chart their own path to career success while helping to strengthen and boost the important manufacturing industry in the Commonwealth.

These 10 new MTTC awards will help schools, training providers, and organizations expose students to careers in the 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 focused on workforce development - investing more than $17 million through the MTTC program to help train over 3,500 Pennsylvanians for careers in manufacturing and the skilled trades.

"The Shapiro Administration understands the importance of investing in the manufacturing industry and our workforce," said Secretary Siger. "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."

This round of awards includes:

• Catalyst Connection in Allegheny County received $200,000 to support hands-on welding and sculpture programming, training software, and transportation costs, equipping students with essential skills and job placement opportunities in the manufacturing industry.
• Lycoming Career and Technology Center in Lycoming County received $25,000 to purchase new equipment, including an ironworker, for classrooms in a new training facility that is being built to keep up with the welding program enrollment and training demand.
• Rhoads Industries in Philadelphia County received $529,000 to engage regional education partners and institutions to educate students and identify the training and career opportunities for US Navy Shipbuilding in the Philadelphia area.

The full list of grants can be found online.

Since taking office, Governor Shapiro has expanded apprenticeships statewide, registering 254 new apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs and enrolling nearly 19,500 apprentices, while increasing funding for vo-tech, career and technical education (CTE), and apprenticeships by nearly 50 percent since taking office - to $183 million. Currently, there are more than 3,000 students enrolled in CTE programs.

Governor Shapiro's proposed 2026-27 budget calls for new and expanded investments that will increase Pennsylvania's competitiveness, strengthen the workforce, and address critical needs.

The Governor's budget proposal includes:

• $12.5 million for the WEDnetPA program to expand Pennsylvania's workforce and close critical workforce gaps.
• $18 million to expand vo-tech, CTE, and apprenticeship programs providing alternative career pathways.
• Doubling current funding to $7 million total for Schools-to-Work pathways, giving high school students a direct path towards a career after school.
• $2 million for the creation of Career Connect to build internships at Pennsylvania companies.
• $38 million for the PA First program to connect businesses with trained workers and support job retention and capital investments.

For more information about the Manufacturing PA Training-to-Career (MTTC) Program or DCED, visit the DCED website, and be sure to stay up-to-date with all of our agency news on Facebook, X, and LinkedIn.

• MEDIA CONTACT:
• Governor's Office, [email protected], 717.783.1116
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