Northampton Community College students who are preparing for careers in manufacturing will benefit from two state grants totaling $336,024.
The college received two Manufacturing PA Training-to-Career (MTTC) grants. A grant of $199,996 will support NCC’s Industrial Skills for Manufacturing training program and a grant of $136,028 will support NCC’s Precision Machining training program.
Manufacturing is the top sector of the Lehigh Valley’s economy, with more than 750 manufacturers generating an output of $8.4 billion in 2021. Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corp. (LVEDC) collaborates with colleges, universities, and technical and career schools to develop a workforce with the skills that manufacturers need. 
Pennsylvania Community and Economic Development Secretary Rick Siger announced the grants during a visit to NCC’s Bethlehem campus on May 17.
The state is investing in NCC because the college’s programs work, he said.
“NCC is a proven partner and a model of how Pennsylvania community colleges can grow the economy by strengthening the workforce and addressing the most critical needs of local manufacturers. And now with these additional grant dollars, they're in an even stronger position to help the Lehigh Valley be prepared for the manufacturing of today and of tomorrow,” Siger said.
“These programs are key to strengthening this community,” NCC President Dr. David Ruth said. “Once the training is completed, these students are prepared for really well-paying entry level jobs in the manufacturing industry, and our local employers are very supportive of these programs.”
“We have a lot of great manufacturers here in the Lehigh Valley,” said state Rep. Steve Samuelson. “We have some that have been in our community for 100 years. Just Born candy is celebrating its 100th anniversary this summer. And others that are just starting out and building their workforce with employees who get trained at wonderful places like Northampton Community College.”
The Lehigh Valley’s strong education system is one of the key factors in the region’s manufacturing success, said Don Cunningham, President and CEO of LVEDC. He said LVEDC’s Talent and Supply Council contributes by bringing together educators and employers to ensure that students are being taught the skills that are needed in the workforce.
“The connection between the curriculum that you all are creating, and what the economy needs, is really unique across the country,” Cunningham said.
He highlighted the recently released new edition of LVEDC’s Hot Careers Dashboard. The interactive online tool allows students to view jobs that are in demand, recognize the earnings potential, and research the education that is needed and where it can be obtained in the Lehigh Valley. The dashboard allows families to make informed decisions at an early age.
Sean Brandle, Director of NCC’s Fab Lab and Luthier Program, led Siger, Ruth, Samuelson, and Cunningham on a tour of the college’s training spaces. They observed a class taught by Industrial Maintenance Instructor Michael Lobus and met with Wood Sculptor Michael Brolly.
They were joined on the tour by other officials from NCC and the state Department of Community and Economic Development, along with a representative from state Sen. Lisa Boscola’s office.
Siger said the fiscal year 2023-24 budget proposed by Gov. Josh Shapiro would boost the state economy by increasing investments in workforce training and apprenticeship programs and strengthening skills-building programs that are critical to attracting and retaining businesses.
NCC’s Precision Machining program teaches students how to safely and effectively operate machinery that’s typical in manufacturing environments. The program includes a career exploration component that helps students to identify and align their strengths and interests with occupations, and to understand the educational requirements, regional demand, and salaries for those occupations.
The Industrial Skills for Manufacturing program teaches students foundational skills in maintenance through a curriculum that includes introduction to manufacturing, workplace safety, measurement, blueprint fundamentals, basic electricity, electric relay control/programmable logic controllers, and mechanical maintenance concepts.
Pennsylvania’s Training-to-Career grants support projects that result in short-term work-readiness, job placement, and the advancement of manufacturing. The Manufacturing PA Training-to-Career Grant program works collaboratively with local manufacturers to identify and teach missing essential skills for entry-level applicants seeking manufacturing employment; to engage youth or those with barriers to career opportunities in manufacturing, and to advance capacity for local or regional manufacturers.