Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology in Lancaster PA was recently awarded a JOBS1st PA Tech Grant of $148,970 to upgrade equipment in the Machine Tool and Computer-Aided Manufacturing Technology and Automotive Collision Repair Technology Applied Science degree programs. Funds will be used to purchase a CNC vertical machining center and a CNC turning center for the manufacturing program.
PMPA wrote a letter in support of the grant application in June.
PMPA’s letter of support noted that the grant would “build regional capacity in small and mid size businesses that do precision machining.”
How important is that?
According to PMPA research “We know of 45 precision machining firms (NAICS 332721) in Pennsylvania with annual sales ranging from $250,000 to $33 Million. The average industry shop within PMPA has about $8 million in sales. A recent study shows that 80% of manufacturers cannot find skilled talent to fill their production jobs. As a result, there are over half a million manufacturing jobs open right now. The demand for trained workers continues to grow in Pennsylvania and the pipeline of skilled workers needs to be strengthened and enlarged to address advancing technology and skills in this changing industry.”
The addition of the CNC vertical machining center and CNC turning center does just that.
The equipment upgrades at Thaddeus Stevens are the means that Thaddeus Stevens will use to deliver “workforce upgrades” to its local market area in Pennsylvania.
PMPA is proud of our support of their grant request to make this award become a reality.
The skilled workforce issue is the top challenge facing our industry. PMPA is working on many fronts to help solve this challenge.
What are YOU doing to help meet the skilled workforce challenge that your shop faces?