AMBRIDGE, Sept. 23 – New apprenticeship opportunities in the skilled trades and early childhood education are coming to Beaver County and the region thanks to new grant funding of nearly $1.2 million, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today.

Matzie, D-Beaver, said the funding awarded through the state Department of Labor and Industry will allow area employers to expand valuable “earn while you learn” opportunities in several different fields.

“Apprenticeships are incredibly valuable because they give workers starting on the career path the chance to earn while they’re gaining real-world experience,” Matzie said. “This new funding is going to create more of those opportunities in both the skilled trades and early childhood education.”

 Matzie said the funding includes:

• $600,000 to the Steamfitters Local Union No. 449 JATC to expand its School-2-Career training program to accommodate 25 new apprentices who will earn certifications in HVAC-R.
• $599,852 to The Learning Lamp to recruit and support 25-30 childcare workers through the Early Childcare Education Registered Apprenticeship, expanding the program across western Pennsylvania.

Each organization serves Beaver County and other counties in the region.