The Department of Labor and Industry announced this week a PAsmart Apprenticeship Grant in the amount of $200,000 for Lehigh Carbon Community College.

The funding will be used to build upon LCCC’s existing apprenticeship programming in production technology and expand its capacity to create a pipeline of individuals ready for entry into the growing number of mechatronic apprenticeships in the region.

“The funding that has been awarded today will help LCCC continue to offer its students high-level job training in the mechatronic field, while giving them the opportunity to earn an income,” said state Sen. John Yudichak, I – Luzerne/Carbon.

“LCCC is doing an excellent job in preparing its students for 21st century STEM and computer science based jobs that will continue to grow in demand in the coming years.”

“We at Lehigh Carbon Community College are excited to be part of the governor’s PAsmart grant and know this will make a substantial difference for students seeking careers with promising possibilities,” said LCCC President Dr. Ann D. Bieber.

“Building this talent pipeline starts with these strong partnerships, leveraging the flexibility we have as a community college to offer these programs. The opportunities for careers in mechatronics in our area are robust.”

The LCCC grant award was part of more than $6.5 million in PAsmart Registered Apprenticeship Grants announced today to increase opportunities for workers to “earn while they learn.”

PAsmart was launched in 2018 to increase STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) and computer science education, registered apprenticeships and job training opportunities to prepare workers with the skills that growing businesses need.