Last week Gov. Tom Wolf announced new funding for Slippery Rock University made possible by the Pennsylvania Manufacturing PA Training-to-Career Program (MTTC) that will be used for the food and beverage industry.
The funding, amounting to $179,181, will go toward a student internship program at food and beverage manufacturing facilities Allegheny, Butler and Erie counties, according to a May 17 release by Wolf’s office. The program will allow for students to work at various facilities over the next two summers. Companies include 5 Generation Bakers in McKees Rocks, Allegheny County; Puppy Cake in Portersville, Butler County; and Shearer’s Food in Waterford, Erie County. Interns will start on June 1.
“This grant provides a great opportunity for our students to acquire manufacturing industry experience while helping them earn money to make their education more affordable,” said Paul Scanlon, Director of Sustainability, Slippery Rock University. “It also benefits local manufacturers by helping address workforce needs, not only through immediate internships, but by training future contributors and leaders of their industries. We’re grateful for this opportunity provided by DCED, which will complement and continue to grow our existing partnerships with local food and beverage manufacturers.”
The interns will receive short-term work readiness training and learn manufacturing industry protocols. There will be safety training and the instruction on skills needed for entry-level positions. They will be mentored in how to develop more skills in the industry. This includes providing sustainability consulting services in an effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
“This paid internship program will give students the invaluable hands-on experience and skills they need to be job-ready for careers in Pennsylvania’s food and beverage manufacturing industry,” said Wolf. “The program will also greatly benefit the participating manufacturers by developing a highly-skilled pool of potential hires to choose from after the interns graduate.”
The Manufacturing PA Training-to-Career Grant program works with local manufacturers to identify and teach essential skills for potential future employees. It engages youth and people with barriers to careers in manufacturing, and also assists local and regional manufacturers.
Since October 2017, the Manufacturing PA initiative has funded 73 projects through $16.1 million in investments from the Manufacturing PA Training-to Career Grant program.
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