Bucks County Jobs Program Gets $1.7 Million In Federal Funds

A grant from the U.S. Department of Labor will benefit job training programs in Bucks County.

Over the next two years, the Bucks County Workforce Development Board, Pennsylvania CareerLink Bucks County, and Bucks County Community College will work together to use $1.7 million to fund training programs, apprenticeships, and efforts to tackle the obstacles facing those looking for work. Officials announced the funding Tuesday at the CareerLink offices in Bristol Township.

“Here in Bucks and Montgomery County, as is the case around the nation, substantive training and apprenticeship programs are integral to good paying jobs. This is especially important as we witness many traditionally retail job opportunities disappear,” Fitzpatrick said. “This grant will lead to positive, transformative changes in the lives of countless residents. We must ensure that our workforce has the necessary skills to compete in 21st century economy.”

Bucks County Commissioner Chairman Robert Loughery called the grant “big money” that will make a big impact and help create family-sustaining careers.

The grant will train as many as 200 workers through CareerLink and metalworking, health care, technology, and manufacturing training, said Bucks County Workforce Development Board Director John Flanagan. He added that funds will also help eliminate barriers, like child care, that could keep workers from their job.

The congressman said the programs will help fill the so-called “skills gap” that employers in the area have been worried about for several years.

Bucks County Community College President Dr. Stephanie Shanblatt said the institution is a “full partner” in the job training and creation programs in the county.

Fitzpatrick said he will continue to work to obtain grant funding for programs to get Bucks Countians back to work.

The grant is part of a federal program to assist dislocated workers in the region who are looking for new careers.