U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $2 Million to Support Manufacturing Workforce Training Efforts in Williamsport, Pennsylvania
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $2 million grant to the Pennsylvania College of Technology in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, to support workforce development and create jobs in clean energy manufacturing and other sectors.
This grant will support construction of the new Clean Energy Center House and renovation of the existing Building Technology Center. The college plans to increase capacity to develop workers that can compete for standard skilled labor positions and new emerging skills positions, including those supporting the region’s strong eco-manufacturing sector. This EDA investment will be matched with $2 million in local funds and is expected to create or retain more than 435 jobs, according to grantee estimates.
“As part of the Biden Administration’s Investing in America agenda, we’re ensuring that workers have the skills and resources they need to secure good-paying jobs in the communities where they live,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “This EDA investment will increase manufacturing training opportunities in Williamsport and create pathways to professional growth for workers, helping to meet regional industry workforce needs.”
“The Economic Development Administration is pleased to provide targeted, place-based grants designed to support local workforce development programs,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “This award will accelerate the potential of the region’s workers to secure quality jobs in emerging, high-demand sectors.”
“With this $2 million grant, Penn College can improve and expand its programs to train skilled workers to compete for jobs in critical industries experiencing labor shortages,” said Senator Bob Casey. “I advocated for this investment in the region’s workforce because it will create more than 435 jobs across vital sectors of our economy, like our emerging clean energy manufacturing industry, and empower Central Pennsylvania to take control of its economic future.”
“I’m proud that this grant from the Economic Development Administration will provide over $2 million for workforce development efforts at Penn Tech in Williamsport,” said Senator John Fetterman. “We need to provide training for the specialized jobs of the future and make sure we’re keeping those jobs right here in Pennsylvania — and this funding will help get us there with training for skilled labor positions.”
About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov)
The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation’s regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA invests in communities and supports regional collaboration in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.