$250K Grant Boosts Manufacturing Pre-Apprenticeships for High School Youth

A new $250,000 grant is set to strengthen school-to-work pathways for high school students in South Central Pennsylvania, preparing the next generation for family-sustaining careers in advanced manufacturing.

The funding, part of a broader $4.1 million Schools-to-Work initiative by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, was awarded to The Manufacturers’ Association to expand its Applied Manufacturing Technology registered pre-apprenticeship.

The state’s Schools-to-Work program is designed to bridge classroom learning with real-world opportunity by aligning education with in-demand industries. It strengthens community partnerships so students can graduate with a clear path into their chosen field through registered apprenticeships, postsecondary education, or direct employment.

“This award helps us expand an employer-led pathway that gives students real exposure to modern manufacturing, meaningful credentials, and direct connections to apprenticeships and jobs,” said Tom Palisin, Executive Director of The Manufacturers’ Association. “By strengthening partnerships across schools, workforce organizations, and manufacturers, we’re building the talent pipeline our region’s companies need, and helping students launch careers that can support a family.”

Building a Local Talent Ecosystem

Through the grant, The Manufacturers’ Association plans to deepen collaboration among schools, employers, and workforce partners to create clear on-ramps into the industry.

In partnership with educational intermediaries like the York County Alliance for Learning and the Partnership for Career Development in the Capital Region, the project will build on a state-registered pre-apprenticeship approved in 2022. These efforts closely align with the Commonwealth’s Ten-Year Strategic Plan for Economic Development and broader workforce strategy.

Addressing Regional Manufacturing Demand

The push for early career training comes at a critical time. Manufacturing remains a major economic driver in South Central Pennsylvania, with more than 2,500 manufacturers employing approximately 122,000 workers and generating an estimated $16 billion in annual economic output.

However, over the next decade, the region is projected to need 37,000 replacement workers due to retirements, standard exits, and industry growth. This underscores the urgency of expanding early career exposure, credential attainment, and work-based learning opportunities for local students.

Earning Credentials and Advanced Standing

Students participating in the pre-apprenticeship program earn industry-recognized credentials, such as the OSHA 10 certification, and receive registered pre-apprenticeship credit. This includes classroom coursework that can count toward Related Technical Instruction hours in a formal manufacturing registered apprenticeship with a future employer.

With support from the grant, the Association anticipates enrolling 200 students and engaging another 1,000 students in manufacturing career exploration over the next two years.

Since 2018, The Manufacturers’ Association has supported over 500 students through hands-on training, classroom instruction, mentorship, and direct employment connections. Meanwhile, the Association’s registered apprenticeship program for adults has grown to nearly 200 active apprentices across 60 regional manufacturers, helping to secure the growth of the domestic manufacturing base.