Gov. Tom Wolf has announced close to $1 million in job training and workforce development funding for programs run by the Chester County Economic Development Council, in partnership with the Chester County Workforce Development Board, to support businesses in key industry sectors.

$940,000 in funding will go to CCEDC’s award-winning industry partnerships that support businesses in the advanced manufacturing, IT/communications, healthcare, and energy sectors.

“The Commonwealth’s Next Generation Partnership grants have provided significant support for our region’s high-priority industries,” said Marybeth DiVincenzo, CCEDC’s Chief Human Resources and Marketing Officer. “Having access to these grants is especially critical during the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing us to provide valuable resources to help employers address their business and industry-wide challenges.”

Each year, more than 1,400 employers from Chester County and the region participate in CCEDC’s industry partnerships. During the past 14 years, the partnerships collectively have trained an annual average of more than 2,200 workers and provided critical, hands-on career exploration opportunities for more than 6,000 students.

With increased demands on state funding during COVID-19, the county’s industry partnerships were at stake in this year’s budget.      

“This funding allows us to continue to close the skills gap so people can be trained for higher-paying jobs, as well as provide programs that connect employers with qualified job candidates,” said Patrick Bokovitz, Director of the Chester County Workforce Development Board. “Now, we can ensure that our major industry sectors remain strong and provide jobs at a time when Pennsylvanians need them most.”

The Commonwealth Next Generation Partnership grants include:

• Innovative Technology Action Group (ITAG) – $250,000
• Health Care Connect – $250,000
• Manufacturing Alliance of Chester & Delaware Counties – $220,000
• Smart Energy Initiative – $220,000

Click here to learn more about the Chester County Economic Development Council.