$3 Million for Workforce Development to Support Advanced Manufacturing Jobs in SWPA
WASHINGTON, D.C. –U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) released the following statement on the awarding of a grant he supported to the Three Rivers Workforce Investment Board:
“I supported this grant to promote the growth of manufacturing in southwestern Pennsylvania and create good paying jobs. With a growing number of start-up businesses originating from the region’s world renowned universities, advanced manufacturing skills like the ones promoted by this grant are essential to our economic recovery and a strong workforce.”
Senator Casey supported the $3 million grant in a letter to Department of Labor Secretary Hilda Solis earlier this month. The grant, part of the DOL Employment and Training Administration’s Workforce Innovation Fund, will fund a new project entitled “New App for Making It In America.” The program will expand workforce development in the manufacturing sector that will connect new market employers at the start-up level with the local manufacturing labor pool.
Senator Casey’s letter supporting the grant is below:
The Honorable Hilda Solis
Secretary of Labor
Dear Madam Secretary:
It is my understanding that the Three Rivers Workforce Investment Board in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has submitted an application to the Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration's (ETA) Workforce Innovation Fund with the goal of providing access to and encouraging growth of the manufacturing sector in southwestern Pennsylvania. The purpose of this letter is to urge you to give full and fair consideration to this proposal.
I have been advised that the project, entitled “New App for Making It In America,” is a proposal to expand workforce development in the manufacturing sector that will connect new market employers at the start-up or spin-off stage with a manufacturing labor pool. The southwestern Pennsylvania region has seen a growing sector of spin off companies originating from universities such as Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) and others. These new businesses, many of which are based in the advanced manufacturing sector, need skilled workers to support product development at an early stage. If awarded, this grant could play an important role in further developing the region’s skilled workforce.
I have been further advised that the Pennsylvania AFL-CIO will partner to provide access to a labor pool for these growing companies, along with supporting an apprenticeship and training program in advanced manufacturing. The partnership of CMU and the PA AFL-CIO can serve as a model for developing new technologies while supporting a skilled manufacturing workforce that can produce new products here in the United States.
Thank you in advance for the consideration of my views. Please include this letter in the official record of the application. Consistent with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations, I also respectfully request that you keep me informed of the status of this grant application.
Sincerely,
Robert P. Casey, Jr.
United States Senator
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