Bucks Co. Gets $1.7 Million To Help Job-Seekers

LEVITTOWN, PA — Bucks County has received a $1.7 million grant to help people seeking a job, or just a better one, achieve their goal.

U.S. Rep Brian Fitzpatrick on Wednesday presented a check representing the grant to the Bucks County Workforce Development Board in Bristol. The grant comes from the U.S. Department of Labor and Bucks is one of only two Pennsylvania counties to receive such a grant.

"Here in Bucks and Montgomery County, as is the case around the nation, substantive training and apprenticeship programs are integral to good paying jobs," Fitzpatrick said. "This is especially important as we witness many traditional retail job opportunities disappear.

"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."

The $1.7 million grant helps provide education and work-based learning opportunities to dislocated workers in Bucks, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties.

It is designed to help implement innovative skills instruction and career services for people who are seeking reemployment as a result of changes in workforce needs or from economic changes across multiple sectors.

The award will help the Bucks County Workforce Development Board promote on-the-job-training, customized training programs, and industry certifications. Its designed to help workers find careers in bio-tech and healthcare, business and IT and advanced manufacturing.

On hand for the press conference were Bucks County Commissioner Rob Loughery, BCWDB Executive Director John Flanagan and President of the Bucks County Community College, Stephanie Shanblatt.

Watch the full press conference here.

Photo courtesy office of U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick