Area groups get grant money to promote skilled trades workforce

Junior Achievement and Arc Human Services each received $100,000.

Two regional organizations are among the recipients of a $3.3 million state investment to strengthen Pennsylvania’s skilled trades workforce through the Manufacturing PA Training-to-Career Program.

Junior Achievement of Western Pennsylvania and Arc Human Services Inc. in Washington County each received $100,000 grants through the program, which supports career training and hands-on learning opportunities in manufacturing and the skilled trades.

The investment comes as manufacturers across southwestern Pennsylvania, including the Mon Valley, continue to face worker shortages in skilled trades such as electrical work, machining and welding.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the industry employs about 561,700 workers statewide, and Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry data shows thousands of openings each year for skilled trade jobs such as machinists, welders and electricians.

Gov. Josh Shapiro announced the funding during a visit to Junior Achievement of Western Pennsylvania in Allegheny County, joined by Rick Siger, secretary of the Department of Community and Economic Development, and Nancy A. Walker, secretary of the Department of Labor & Industry earlier this year.

Funding secured in the 2025-26 state budget will help train more than 3,300 Pennsylvanians for manufacturing and skilled trades careers.

“My administration is investing in our workforce to support private sector businesses, attract new investment to Pennsylvania, and create real opportunity for our young people,” Shapiro said. “By exposing students to careers in the trades and equipping them with the skills they need to launch successful careers here in our commonwealth, we’re building a stronger economic future.”

Junior Achievement of Western Pennsylvania will use its grant to support the organization’s Careers in Skilled Trades initiative.

The nonprofit works with school districts throughout Allegheny, Westmoreland and surrounding counties, bringing career exploration, financial literacy and entrepreneurship programs into classrooms.

Many of those programs reach students in Mon Valley communities and often complement training offered through regional career and technical centers such as Steel Center for Career and Technical Education and Mon Valley Career and Technology Center.

The program uses immer- sive virtual reality experiences, hands-on programs such as JA BizTown and JA Career Train, and industry partnerships to expose middle and high school students to trade careers while building career awareness, financial literacy and essential soft skills.

Through simulations and workplace-style learning environments, students learn how businesses operate while gaining practical skills such as teamwork, budgeting and communication.

Arc Human Services will use its funding to support employment programs that help individuals with disabilities gain job training and placement while helping manufacturers connect with a reliable workforce.

Arc Human Services operates employment and support programs throughout southwestern Pennsylvania, helping individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities build workplace skills and connect with employers. The organization partners with businesses, including manufacturers, to provide job training, placement and ongoing support for workers entering the labor force.

Siger said the grants support one of the state’s most important industries.

“MTTC grants ensure we have skilled, trained workers ready to fill manufacturers’ open positions and support our economy,” Siger said.

The Manufacturing PA Training- to-Career program supports partnerships among schools, nonprofits, training providers and employers to prepare Pennsylvanians for in-demand manufacturing jobs. Grants can be used for equipment, classroom instruction, career exploration programs and hands-on learning opportunities designed to move students and workers into industry careers.

Walker said the investment helps connect workers to opportunity while keeping Pennsylvania competitive.

Junior Achievement of Western Pennsylvania President Patrice Matamoros said the funding will help students better understand their career options.

“By introducing students to manufacturing and skilled trades early, we’re helping them see the many paths available to success,” Matamoros said.

Greg Bernarding, business manager of the Pittsburgh Regional Building Trades Council, said the investment highlights the importance of non-college career paths.

“What matters is that every young person in Pennsylvania has a real path to a good, family- sustaining career,” Bernarding said.

Students and alumni also shared their experiences.

Alayna Kamerer, an electrical occupations student, said the program has helped prepare her for the future.

“Junior Achievement has taught me skills that go beyond job training and helped prepare me for what comes next,” Kamerer said.

Grace Reid-Vensel, founder of Lulu’s Free Store in Greensburg and a Junior Achievement alumna, said the organization played a key role in her development.

“When I was 16 years old, Junior Achievement recognized my potential and played a critical role in shaping both my leadership and the growth of Lulu’s Free Store,” Reid-Vensel said. “These students are building essential skills and will form the foundation of our future economy.”

Officials say programs that introduce students to skilled trades early could play an important role in helping meet future workforce needs across the Mon Valley and the broader southwestern Pennsylvania region.