On May 17, Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Rick Siger announced new $336,000 grant funding for Northampton Community College (NCC) to continue two successful training programs, precision machining and industrial skills for manufacturing. The DCED took a tour of NCC’s Fab Lab where they met our grants training instructors and observed students who were learning foundational skills in industrial maintenance.
Secretary Siger highlighted the importance of Governor Josh Shapiro’s proposed budget, which boosts Pennsylvania’s economy by strengthening skills-building programs that lead to family sustaining wages and increasing investments in workforce training programs. The Governor’s budget will also expand manufacturing programs and prioritize innovation across the Commonwealth, building on student interest and Pennsylvania’s established involvement in the industry.
The programs at NCC provide short term training to prepare learners for well-paying jobs that lead to careers in manufacturing in the Lehigh Valley and beyond. Manufacturing is the number one business sector in the region. Employers are in need of these program graduates to fill entry-level positions. Training programs will begin early summer 2023 and continue for 24 months. Find more information on precision machining and industrial skills for manufacturing.
Lauren Loeffler, Vice President of Workforce Development at the college said “We could not be more delighted to expand our relationship with DCED. Their support of these programs has been instrumental in helping our students, our college, and local employers to grow and move forward. These high priority occupations are critical to the success of these businesses and our local economy long-term.”
