Workforce training programs get $250K

The Chester County Workforce Development Board will receive $246,000 in funding to train workers.

State Sen. Andy Dinniman, D-19, announced that the Chester County Workforce Development Board will receive $246,000 in state funding to train workers and prepare students for careers in technology.

The funds will be used to address the needs of employers in the technology, energy/construction, and health care industries by providing access to incumbent worker training, increasing training opportunities, and identifying students for tech internship opportunities.

“These funds will help Chester County residents develop and hone the right skills to succeed in today’s job market while helping ensure that local employers have access to the talent and human capital they need to remain competitive in the regional, national and international economy,” Dinniman said.

The funds come through the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry’s Strategic Innovation Grant program and are part of $3.5 million in total dollars awarded to 16 projects through local workforce development boards across the commonwealth.

The grants are designed to encourage local creativity and innovation in establishing career pathways, expanding the state’s pipeline of workers, increasing opportunities for youth workers, engaging employers directly to ensure that the skills gap is being addressed, and strengthening data sharing across state agencies and workforce development partners.