Western Pa. workforce boards awarded funds for summer internships

Two local workforce development boards were awarded part of a $4.7 million grant from the state Department of Labor as officials work toward making the area attractive to recent graduates.

Tri-County Workforce Development received $28,000 and the Westmoreland/Fayette Workforce Development Board received nearly $135,000, which is to be used to offer summer internships to young adults between 16 and 24. The program runs from May 1 to Aug. 28 and offers a minimum wage of $10.35 per hour.

“This program will provide young people in our area with the valuable real-world experience they need that can potentially lead them toward a successful, rewarding career,” state Rep. Joe Petrarca, D-Washington Township, said in a news release. “In turn, our local employers will benefit from a career-ready talent pool of potential employees to choose from.”

A low unemployment rate has made it difficult for businesses to hire. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor of Statistics, the unemployment rate in Pennsylvania was 4.5% in December, compared with a national unemployment rate of 3.6% in January. That number jumped to 4.8% in Westmoreland County and 4.2% in Allegheny, data shows.

Local officials are also combating an aging population. Westmoreland County Commissioners recognized the problem last October when they released Reimagining Our Westmoreland, a plan aimed at making the county attractive to young professionals and families.

Since 2010, the county has lost over 14,500 people, averaging a decrease of about 1,800 people per year, data shows.

Allegheny County, however, saw the largest decrease of people between 2017 and 2018 in the state, with a decrease of about 2,200 people.

In all, 21 agencies across the state received funds through the State/Local Internship Program. Philadelphia Works, Inc. received over $1.1 million, the largest amount granted.

Money for the program is funded through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.