A Collaborative, Sustainable Approach to
Developing Diverse Talent for High-Demand Sectors
PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 10,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Philadelphia Works (PhilaWorks),
the City of Philadelphia's
Workforce Development Board, has announced a significant initiative
to strengthen the city's infrastructure labor market. Supported by
a $1.99 million grant from the U.S.
Department of Labor's Building Pathways to Infrastructure Jobs
Grant Program, the project aims to develop talent pipelines for
critical infrastructure sectors, with a particular focus on
renewable energy and transportation.
This initiative is part of a $71
million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor aimed at
improving job quality, preparing workers, and expanding access to
good jobs in critical sectors. The total grant supports 27
organizations across 14 states and the District of Columbia and Philadelphia's selection underscores the
city's commitment to innovative workforce development strategies
and its designation as a Workforce Hub by President Biden.
As part of the second round of the Department of Labor's
program, the grant seeks to expand investment in public-private
partnerships to create, implement, and scale worker-centered
training programs designed to prepare a skilled workforce for the
infrastructure jobs created by the Biden-Harris Administration's
Investing in America agenda.
"This award represents a critical reinforcement in our workforce
development strategy, complementing the achievements of the Good
Jobs Challenge and our recent designation as a White House
Workforce Hub," said H. Patrick
Clancy, President and CEO of Philadelphia Works. "Together,
these investments create a robust framework for sustainable growth
across Philadelphia and
Southeast Pennsylvania. Our focus
extends beyond immediate job placement; we're cultivating career
pathways that support our city's infrastructure and fuel long-term
economic prosperity."
The project will streamline existing programs and forge new
partnerships to create seamless career pathways in high-demand
sectors, including advanced manufacturing and scientific services.
Partners such as the City of
Philadelphia, SEPTA, and PECO will ensure training programs
meet industry standards.
Philadelphia Works will use worker-centered strategies like case
management, supportive services, and mentorship to help workers
navigate their career pathways in targeted H-1B occupations. The
project will support both new and incumbent workers, connecting
them to training programs aligned with in-demand infrastructure
jobs.
"We at the City of
Philadelphia's Office of Transportation and Infrastructure
Systems (OTIS) are thrilled to partner with Philadelphia Works on
the Building Pathways to Infrastructure Jobs initiative. This grant
will facilitate connections to employment in the City's Departments
of Streets and the Philadelphia Water Department, among others,"
said Michael Carroll, Deputy
Managing Director, OTIS. "Together, we are strengthening the
workforce that will build and maintain Philadelphia's infrastructure."
A notable highlight of this initiative is its commitment to
amplifying the voice of workers. By leveraging the expertise of
programs like WINC (Women in Nontraditional Careers), which
includes a steering committee composed of volunteer tradeswomen,
the project ensures frontline perspectives are incorporated and
intentionally prioritize women, people of color, and other
underrepresented groups for these career opportunities.
Pursuant to the Stevens Amendment, the percentage of the
total costs of the program which will be financed with Federal
money is 100%. The dollar amount of Federal funds for this project,
awarded to Philadelphia Works Inc. through the Building Pathways to
Infrastructure Jobs Grant Program, is $1,999,973. The percentage and dollar amount of
the total costs of the project that will be financed by
non-governmental sources is 0%.
About Philadelphia Works:
Philadelphia Works is the city's Workforce Development Board,
investing in solutions and services to
grow Philadelphia's economy by connecting employers to
workforce talent and career seekers to jobs. We influence the
public policies that support economic growth and optimize funding
and resources to invest in regional solutions to build a skilled
and thriving workforce. For more information about our dedicated
board members and staff, workforce research, labor market data,
services, and initiatives, and to view success stories, please
visit philaworks.org.
PR Contact: Dawn
Thomas
Director, Communications and
Outreach
newsroom@philaworks.org
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SOURCE Philadelphia Works