24 Grants in 47 Counties Increase Workforce Development Opportunities

    HARRISBURG, Pa., Jan. 5 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/—Governor Edward G. Rendell today said workers in key industries will be able to improve their skills and find good jobs with Pennsylvania's $5 million investment in training and industry partnerships.

    "As our economy grows in size and strength, there will be continued demand for a highly skilled, well-trained workforce as employers compete to lead the 21st century global marketplace," Governor Rendell said. "This latest investment in our workers means more of them will be better able to tell new employers that they can do the job."

    The strategic investments announced today provide $2.8 million for workforce training in key industries and $2.1 million to develop industry partnerships in which employers, workers and workers' representatives from vital industries cooperate to improve their collective competitive position in the marketplace.

    Industry partnerships can identify specific training needs and skill gaps, help connect young people to careers, help educational and training institutions arrange curriculum to meet business demands, address worker recruitment and retention, develop career ladders within companies, highlight best practices, and promote communication among companies.

    Combined with at least $4.6 million in private-sector funds, the total investment for these projects is more than $9.5 million.

    "Pennsylvania is building the kind of workforce necessary to compete and succeed in our growing, knowledge-based economy," Governor Rendell said. "Advanced training for working men and women, career-focused education for young people, and business collaboration are paying off for Pennsylvania. We are working harder and smarter to position the commonwealth as an economic leader on the world stage."

    Applications and eligibility guidelines for industry partnership and industry partnership worker training program grants are available online at http://www.paworkforce.state.pa.us/ under the "Governor Rendell's Strategy for Building a Skilled Workforce" quick link.