FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 26, 2019
Wolf Administration Encourages Students to Pursue Manufacturing Careers at ‘What’s So Cool About Manufacturing?’ Awards Ceremony
Bethlehem, PA – Today, Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Executive Deputy Secretary Neil Weaver encouraged students to pursue careers in manufacturing at the ‘What’s So Cool About Manufacturing?’ Lehigh Valley Awards Ceremony.
“Governor Wolf is always proud to support this video contest,” Executive Deputy Secretary Weaver said. “It’s a great tool for our employers to directly interact with the people who will be working for them in a few years. This administration will continue to boost career and technical education and make sure students are equipped for the career opportunities in manufacturing that are available to them.”
The ‘What’s So Cool About Manufacturing?’ contest is dedicated to changing perceptions and attitudes in Pennsylvania about advanced manufacturing careers. The contest pairs teams of middle school students with local manufacturers. The student teams then create a video profile that shows what the manufacturers produce, how they make their products, and why the manufacturer is a great place to work.
In December 2018, Governor Wolf announced grants for the Manufacturers Resource Center (MRC) in the Lehigh Valley and the Delaware Valley Industrial Resource Center (DVIRC) to expand the video contest into additional regions throughout Pennsylvania.
“MRC lauds the administration’s commitment to create and expand the opportunities available in Pennsylvania’s manufacturing industry,” said Jack Pfunder, President and CEO of MRC. “Partnerships like ours are key to building the strongest workforce in the nation.”
The ‘What’s So Cool About Manufacturing?’ contest aligns with Governor Wolf’s PAsmart initiative, which in the governor’s current budget proposal calls for an additional $4 million to help Pennsylvania manufacturers train workers and $6 million to expand career and technical education.
For more information about the Wolf Administration’s commitment to the manufacturing sector, visit the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) website or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube.
MEDIA CONTACT: Michael Gerber, 717-783-1132
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