Pittsburgh Review

Gov. Tom Wolf and Department of Community and Economic Development Deputy Secretary Rick Vilello met at SupplyOne Pittsburgh in Washington County to announce that Arc Human Services will be receiving funding for job training for people with disabilities looking for a career in manufacturing.

Arc Human Services is partnering with Filter Buy; Noble Environmental; RPM Industries; SupplyOne; and the Washington County Council on Economic Development, according to a May 5 release. The funding, amounting to $199,840, is through the state’s Manufacturing PA Training-to-Career Program. It will be used to set up people with developmental and intellectual disabilities into employment opportunities in manufacturing through training programs.

“I’m happy to be here today to see some of these excellent training programs in action,” said Vilello. “I want to commend Arc and SupplyOne for putting together a good, solid program where Pennsylvanians with developmental or intellectual disabilities can receive quality employment training and support.”

The program is called “Students and Community Employment Services for ID/DD Individuals” and will train 20 to 30 people through a variety of manufacturing opportunities. The careers include recycling and maintenance operations; packaging and assembly of books and brochures; shelving and diesel parts; baler operations; machine operations; tote assembly and distribution; and production of air filters. The funds will provide for job coaches and enhanced safety trainings and paying for workers during their time of employment.

“I’m proud to support this wonderful program,” said Wolf. “This grant is helping to provide individuals living with intellectual and developmental disabilities the training and support to obtain employment within their communities. Employment that will increase their independence, ensure they secure a livable wage and provide them the opportunity to have happy, lifelong careers.”

The first session of the program will run from July through August 2022, and career placement will take place from August to December 2022. There is also a second run of dates slated for June to July 2023, with career placement August to December 2023.

“On behalf of Arc Human Services and the individuals we serve, I would like to sincerely thank Governor Wolf, his administration, and DCED for awarding this amazing grant,” said Brent Troyan, director of Community Based Services, Arc Human Services, Inc. “With these funds, Arc Human Services, along with our outstanding business partners like SupplyOne and Washington County Tourism, will be able to continue to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities integrate into their communities, while working toward their vocational goals in the manufacturing sector.”

The Manufacturing PA Initiative was launched in October 2017 and since its inception has funded 69 projects through investments totaling $15.4 million. The initiative is made possible by the Pennsylvania Manufacturing PA Training-to-Career Grant program, which supports projects for short-term readiness, job placement and advancement of the manufacturing industry.