Shapiro Administration Invests Nearly $200,000 to Increase Number of Advanced Welders, Boost Manufacturing Industry in Southwestern Pennsylvania

The Manufacturing PA Training-to-Career grant program builds on Governor Josh Shapiro’s commitment to build a classroom-to-career manufacturing pipeline.

The Governor’s 2025-2026 budget proposal doubles down on workforce development and investing in the future of the Commonwealth’s workforce.

Harrisburg, PA – Today, Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Director of Workforce Development Initiatives Gwen Ross announced the Shapiro Administration’s new $199,840 investment to provide advanced skills training for students in Pittsburgh’s North Hills School District Welding Program through the Manufacturing PA Training-to-Career (MTTC) grant program.

The North Hills Welding Program will use this MTTC grant to upgrade equipment and support instructional staff that provide students with the skills required for entry-level welding positions and introduce them to career opportunities in manufacturing through workshops, facility tours, and mentorship programs. The program partners with local manufacturers to identify workforce skill gaps and tailors training to meet these needs and connects program graduates with manufacturing employers to ensure their seamless transition into the workforce.

Governor Josh Shapiro and his Administration are committed to developing a strong pipeline of workers to support our manufacturing industry through career training. The Governor’s 2025-2026 budget proposal places a special emphasis on investing in the future of our workforce.

“The Shapiro Administration recognizes that in-school career programs like the North Hills Welding Program benefit both our workers and the manufacturing industry,” said Director Ross. “Engaging students with advanced technology experiences helps to meet the needs of the industry while placing young Pennsylvanians on the path to rewarding careers in manufacturing.”

Now in its tenth year, the North Hills Welding Program bridges the skills gap by equipping students with essential welding skills through targeted training, hands-on experience, and collaborative industry partnerships.

“This support from the Shapiro Administration through the Manufacturing PA Training to Career grant is transformative for the North Hills Welding and Technology Education program, our students, and the regional manufacturing industry,” said Bill Gasior, Director of Grants and Fundraising, North Hills School District. “It enables us to refresh and refurbish our equipment to continue to provide our students with the best-in-class hands-on skills and training they need to excel in high-demand careers, while also addressing critical workforce needs for local manufacturers. Together, we’re building a pipeline of talent that not only strengthens our community but also ensures the future success of manufacturing in Pennsylvania.”

The MTTC grant program works collaboratively with local manufacturers to identify and teach missing essential skills for entry level applicants seeking manufacturing employment, engage youth or those with barriers to career opportunities in manufacturing, and/or advance capacity for local or regional manufacturers.

Governor Shapiro and his Administration are committed to investing in classroom to career and apprenticeship programs to provide skill-building opportunities for Pennsylvanians and a strong workforce for businesses. Having robust job training programs across Pennsylvania will provide pathways for workers to earn family-sustaining wages and help build vibrant communities.

Governor Shapiro’s 2025-2026 Budget is Focused on Expanding our Workforce and Closing Critical Gap

Workforce shortages are one of the biggest challenges facing Pennsylvania. Governor Shapiro has been focused on expanding our workforce, from his very first day in office when he signed an executive order to make 92 percent of state government jobs open to Pennsylvanians without a college degree. Since then, nearly 60 percent of all new hires in state government don’t have a college degree.

This budget places a special emphasis on workforce development and investing in the future of our workforce. We need to ensure we have enough trained workers in the industries that will fuel our growth, and we need to address growing workforce shortages across critical sectors.

Investing in Apprenticeships and Respecting all Paths to Success

Over the past two years, the Shapiro Administration has increased funding for vo-tech, career and technical education, and apprenticeships by nearly $65 million. Today, our Commonwealth invests 50 percent more in workforce development than the day Governor Shapiro took office. As a result, the Commonwealth has created more than 110 new pre-apprenticeships and registered apprenticeships in just two years.

• The 2025-26 budget creates a dedicated $12.5 million Workforce and Economic Development Network appropriation, leveraging $10 million in existing funds and $2.5 million in new state funds to train additional workers.
• This budget also includes $2 million for the creation of the Career Connect program, a statewide program to build internships at Pennsylvania companies. This will increase the availability of Pennsylvania internships and assist employers with talent recruitment and development efforts.

Governor Shapiro: Two Years of G-S-D

As Governor Shapiro marks two years in office, his Administration is continuing to focus on innovation, economic development, and our economy. The Shapiro Administration’s commitment to investing in our businesses, communities, and workforce is positioning Pennsylvania to be a global economic development leader while opening the doors of opportunity.

Visit Governor Shapiro’s Accomplishments website to explore the Administration’s interactive midterm report and download a detailed PDF overview of accomplishments.

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

MEDIA CONTACT:
Justin Backover, dcedpress@pa.gov or or 717.418.4014

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