#MAKEITINPA: Corbett Administration Awards Jobs1st PA Tech Grant to Thaddeus Stevens College

    02.27.15 | TSCT News

    Harrisburg, PA  – Continuing to advance Governor Corbett’s JOBS1st PA initiative, Department of Labor & Industry Secretary Julia K. Hearthway today awarded a JOBS1st PA Tech Grant to Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology to upgrade equipment used in training students in its manufacturing and automotive programs. The funds were made available by the Department of Labor & Industry through its Re-Employment Fund.

    “Career success in today’s economy is determined in large part by obtaining industry-relevant skills,” Sec. Hearthway said. “The equipment to be purchased using grant funds will enable students to train on modern equipment used by regional employers, increasing their likelihood of hire upon program completion.”

    Thaddeus Stevens received $148,970 to upgrade equipment in the Machine Tool and Computer-Aided Manufacturing Technology and Automotive Collision Repair Technology Applied Science degree programs. Funds will be used to purchase a CNC vertical machining center and CNC turning center for the manufacturing program and an auto frame/unibody straightener for the automotive program.

    “Part of the mission of Thaddeus Stevens College is to educate students for skilled employment in a diverse, ever-changing workforce,” commented Dr. William Griscom, President of Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology, “With this grant the College can continue to expand on this mission and can continue to develop the knowledge of our graduates, in turn strengthening the industries and economy of the Commonwealth.”

    With the equipment upgrades in the manufacturing program, Thaddeus Stevens can double program enrollment from 20 to 40 to help meet growing employer needs. The automotive equipment will allow existing and future automotive program students to continue to earn industry recognized credentials.

    An additional $1,201,030 in Tech Grants remains available through L&I to qualified educational institutions that demonstrate a track record of training and placing adult students into occupations that are in demand by local employers. Submissions will be accepted through March 31, 2015 or until funds are exhausted. Interested applicants may visit paworkforce.state.pa.usfor more information and to apply for a grant.

    In 2012, Gov. Corbett launched JOBS1st PA as a comprehensive roadmap to economic recovery that harnessed the state’s resources and talents to prioritize private-sector job creation and retention. Today, Pennsylvania's unemployment rate remains below the national rate and jobs have been growing on a consistent basis for nearly four years.

    For more information about Gov. Corbett’s commitment to JOBS1st PA visit www.pa.gov.

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