U.S. Secretary of Labor Scalia Highlights Workforce Development In Erie, Pennsylvania

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia traveled to Erie, Pennsylvania, where he highlighted the Administration’s efforts to support the nation’s workforce during the coronavirus pandemic. The Secretary first visited PHB Inc., a fully integrated supplier of die casting parts, where he toured the facility and met with company leadership, employees and apprentices.

Today, Secretary Scalia also announced $29 million in grants, in partnership with the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) and the Delta Regional Authority (DRA), through the Workforce Opportunities for Rural Communities (WORC) program. WORC grants provide support for workforce development efforts that align with the existing economic development strategies in rural communities facing economic challenges. The grants help provide sustainable job opportunities for workers and long-term economic vitality for communities.

“The grants announced today reflect the commitment of President Trump and his Administration to job growth and opportunities in America’s rural communities,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia. “I’d like to congratulate the University of Pittsburgh, which was awarded more than $1 million in WORC grant funding to develop certificate programs to train workers in northwestern Pennsylvania to fill critical healthcare and manufacturing roles.”

“I was pleased to spend the morning speaking to organizations and employers in Erie County that play an important role in training Pennsylvania’s future workforce and building the region’s economy,” Secretary Scalia continued. “I also had the chance to visit PHB Incorporated during my visit to Erie, where I learned about their efforts to develop a skilled workforce through apprenticeships.”

The mission of the Department of Labor is to foster, promote and develop the welfare of the wage earners, job seekers and retirees of the United States; improve working conditions; advance opportunities for profitable employment; and assure work-related benefits and rights.