Centering Equity in Workforce Development
Workforce development programs are intended to improve our ability to meet individual needs as well as strengthen the economy, enabling more positive outcomes for jobseekers, employers and society. Sustainable Pittsburgh is building stronger ecosystem connectivity and identifying barriers to alleviate systemic inequities and structural barriers. Intersectional approaches that address the need for equitable employment outcomes and job quality will create connections between community and employer networks and ensure that investments create a new, inclusive engine of economic power.
Regional Institutions:
Catalyst Connection
Topic: clean energy workforce and economic development
Overview: Catalyst Connection will lead a multi-state effort to assist more than 1,000 small- to medium-sized manufacturers that are expanding or entering the green technology and clean energy sectors in more than 150 counties. As part of the Appalachian Regional Commission’s (ARC) Appalachian Regional Initiative for Stronger Economies (ARISE), Catalyst Connection will use funds to provide training, technical assistance, supply chain mapping, and other supports so manufacturers can strengthen a decarbonized economy in the region.
Amount Funded: $10,000,000
Learn more about Catalyst Connection’s award and the ARISE grant:
- https://www.catalystconnection.org/news-blog/catalyst-connection-receives-10-million-grant-from-appalachian-regional-commission-to-boost-green-energy-manufacturing-workforce-development-among-southwestern-pa-manufacturers/?fbclid=IwAR249A4w6GKLSi8wjdg0iHZa8b2LElVTCAl-qflQh0Bgw4qt3QOWLoxyn90
- https://www.arc.gov/grants-and-opportunities/arise/
Trade Institute of Pittsburgh
Topic: wraparound supportive services
Overview: The Trade Institute of Pittsburgh has received funding from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) as part of its Partnership for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization (POWER) Initiative to advance its Social Enterprise project. The project will provide paid workforce training to those that have completed the masonry program but are still experiencing barriers to employment and require wraparound services, such as housing or recovery support as well as other supportive services. Further, businesses will receive technical assistance for weatherization and clean energy practices. The project anticipates servicing 138 workers and 10 businesses.
Amount Funded: $1,562,218
Learn more about the Trade Institute of Pittsburgh and the Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization Initiative:
Tri-County Workforce Investment Board, Inc.
Topic: building a competitive workforce to boost semiconductor manufacturing
Overview: The Tri-County Workforce Investment Board has received funding from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) as part of its Partnership for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization (POWER) Initiative to build a competitive workforce in semiconductor manufacturing, HVAC, welding, and building information modeling. The program aims to serve 550 workers to secure employment or higher wages, or receive an industry-recognized credential.
Amount Funded: $1,400,000
Learn more about the Tri-County Workforce Investment Board’s award and the Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization Initiative:
In addition to these awards in the region, Sustainable Pittsburgh was selected by Jobs For the Future as one of 20 regional anchor institutions in the national Quality Green Jobs Regional Challenge. Working with Partner4Work, Sustainable Pittsburgh will support training and employment in clean energy jobs by enabling stronger connectivity among employers, trainers, workers, and wraparound services as well as sharing information on regional activities and amplifying successes in the region’s clean energy workforce.
Learn more: