Montco Offering Free Manufacturing Bootcamp Classes

NORRISTOWN, PA — The Montgomery County Workforce Development Board, with support from the Southeastern Pennsylvania Manufacturing Alliance (SEPMA), is offering free manufacturing boot camps to individuals interested in pursuing a career in manufacturing.

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry’s (PA DLI) 2019 High Priority Occupations (HPO) lists, manufacturing is one of the fastest-growing industries in our region.

The purpose of the HPO list is to align workforce training and education investments with occupations that are in demand by employers, have higher skill needs and are most likely to provide family-sustaining wages.

The boot camp, administered by PA CareerLink Montgomery County, will run for six weeks at the Montgomery County Human Services Center, 1340 DeKalb St. in Norristown.

During the four-hour day — from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. — participants will be educated on industry basics, hold mock interviews, update their resumes, and work towards their OSHA 10 Safety Certification.

Participants of the program will also have access to supportive services, intensive career coaching, and upon successful completion, have an opportunity to connect with employers.

The manufacturing boot camp officially begins on Sept. 16, but information sessions are happening now, and applications will be accepted through Sept. 9.

"Historically, the manufacturing industry has been viewed as blue-collar, union driven, and male-dominated," said Jennifer Butler, executive director at MontcoWorks, Montgomery County’s Workforce Development Board. "The truth is, manufacturing has become an integral part of every other industry and can offer unique and viable career pathways for anyone."

SEPMA, a robust Industry Partnership that brings multiple employers from the manufacturing industry together to collaborate and address common industry challenges, understands the importance of creating access to careers in manufacturing. They have seen successful outcomes from previous manufacturing boot camps and fully support educating and training career seekers about jobs in this ever-growing industry.

"People who work in manufacturing know the depth of professional growth and opportunity that it offers them," said Karla Trotman, COO at Electro Soft and SEPMA co-chair. "Our goal is to create an entry point into manufacturing for individuals who would not have otherwise considered it as a career option."

For more information and eligibility requirements, please visit @PACLMontco on Facebook and Twitter or call Karen Smith Burden at (610) 270-3429, extension 203.