The Manufacturers’ Association, Other State Groups Join in Grant Program For Trucking, Distribution, Logistics Jobs Training
(Allentown, Pa.) – Training and placement for jobs in Pennsylvania’s rapidly growing transportation, distribution and logistics (TDL) industry was the focus of an event held recently at the PA CareerLink® Lehigh Valley to kick off a project funded by the Walmart Foundation and Jobs for the Future of Boston, Mass. Representatives of The Manufacturers’ Association, Jobs for the Future and the PA Department of Community and Economic Development participated in the kickoff event, along with employers, training partners and individuals who have participated in the recruitment and training program.
The Manufacturers’ Association is a growing regional trade association serving manufacturing and logistics firms in southcentral Pennsylvania and is a partner organization in Central PA Works, a funding collaborative of the PA Workforce Development Association.
Central PA Works was awarded a two-year, $220,000 grant from the Walmart Foundation and $125,000 grant from Jobs for the Future to prepare individuals for jobs in the TDL industry.
Under the grant, The Manufacturers’ Association and four other regional partners will train and place 300 individuals into jobs in commercial truck driving, certified logistics technician and associate, diesel mechanic and forklift driving jobs in south central and northeastern Pennsylvania. The Manufacturers’ Association and Central PA Works are leveraging these grants with funding and contributions from other sources. The partners are targeting underrepresented populations, including 25 percent women, for high-demand jobs in the TDL industry within their region.
A job fair for individuals to learn more about well-paying careers in CDL truck driving immediately followed the event at the PA CareerLink® Lehigh Valley in Allentown.
Wal-Mart Foundation Underwrites CareerLink Grant
In York and Franklin Counties, the Manufacturers’ Association is currently recruiting individuals to participate in the training for Certified Logistics Technicians and forklift certification, which will begin in October. Persons interested should call The Manufacturers’ Association for training details and availability at (717) 843-3891.
A gap of more than 24,000 jobs is predicted over the next 10 years due to the creation of new jobs and retirements.
For every dollar invested, this industry sector adds $1.97 to the regional economy. Average earnings exceed $52,000.
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South central and northeastern Pennsylvania are attractive locations for this industry due to access along the main interstate highways (I‐78, I‐80, I‐81, I‐83), Pennsylvania Turnpike and rail system, and location within a day’s drive to approximately 50 percent of the United States and Canadian populations and major East Coast ports. An estimated 1,600 TDL employers are located in this region representing more than $10 billion in sales and 68,000 jobs.
Release: 10052015