The grant was one of 38 national training grants announced last week by the U.S. Labor Department. The local training sites will include Penn State-Fayette, California University, industry-specific sites, and Council branches.
Chuck Burtyk, director of workforce development for the Council, says the training will span a number of industries, from construction and electrical maintenance and new fields. “Solar power is ramping up. Were partnering with local unions, roofers, machinists–all will contribute in one way or another.
With seven locations in the two counties, administering 24 programs from Head Start to Career Link programs, the Private Industry Council employs 264 full-time and part-time professionals. It will rely on Career Links to help place trained workers. Burtyk says training programs for unemployed and underemployed workers–those with incomes near the poverty line–will take from six weeks to a full year.
The PIC had previously administered stimulus grants for summer youth employment. This is its first direct stimulus grant.
Source: Chuck Burtyk, Private Industry Council
Writer: Chris OToole