Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
New program helps jobless find work
Since the pandemic began, thousands of Chester County have lost their jobs, many in the hospitality.
On the heels of Friday’s Bureau of Labor Statistics report that COVID-19-ravaged bars, restaurants and retail have shed even more jobs, while the larger economy has gained jobs, Chester County is announcing a free, three-week Manufacturing Boot Camp to train workers for thousands of jobs available in the local manufacturing industry.
To participate in the program offered by the Chester County Workforce Development Board with the support of the Chester County Economic Development Council and its Manufacturing Alliance of Chester and Delaware Counties, enrollment is required for Chester County residents by this Friday, Feb. 12.
“Thousands of better paying jobs with better benefits are available in the regional manufacturing industry, and the employers we work with are telling us they are challenged to fill those jobs due to a shortage of skilled workers,” says CCEDC Chief Operating Officer Michael Grigalonis. “Some jobs lost during the pandemic will never come back because of automation as well as business closures, so now is the time for workers to consider a switch.”
Patrick Bokovitz, Director of the Chester County Workforce Development Board, says, “Chester
County’s Manufacturing Boot Camp is distinctive from other regional programs in that we are providing the actual training and certifications required to ensure hospitality, retail and other workers are competitive with job seekers who already have manufacturing experience.”
Bokovitz points out that many hospitality and retail workers already have some of the skills valued in the manufacturing industry including attention to customer service, ability to work as a team, willingness to work alternating shifts, and an aptitude for working with their hands and on their feet.
“These are skills that hospitality workers already have, and are highly valuable to manufacturers. Applicants just need the certifications and training to make them competitive before they submit a job application. That’s what we’re providing – free,” says Bokovitz.
The Three-Week Manufacturing Boot Camp for Chester County residents includes guidance on machine awareness and usage, tool skills and best practices, electrical circuitry and sensors, problem-solving and manufacturing safety.
All applicants must apply by this Friday, Feb. 12. Program begins Monday, February 15th, with half days of virtual training provided Monday thru Friday for three weeks. It is being offered online only.
The program is free to Chester County residents who possess a high school diploma or GED, participate in a pre-program interview and pass a drug screening.
To register, call 610-2801062 or email rspatichia@ edsisolutions.com to speak with a career advisor.
The Chester County Workforce Development Board (WDB) oversees approximately $5 million in workforce development funds annually and acts as the administrative entity and the fiscal agent for the operation of Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Programs in the Chester County Local Workforce Area.
The Chester County Economic Development Council is a private, nonprofit economic development organization promoting smart growth in Chester County and the surrounding region for more than 60 years.
The Manufacturing Alliance of Chester and Delaware Counties (MACC/DC) is an initiative of the Chester County Economic Development Council in partnership with the Delaware County Community College, driven by manufacturers and supported by public partners and service providers.