Lancaster County gains over $500K in funding through new Shapiro admin initiative

The Lancaster County Workforce Development Board is receiving more than $500,000 in funding through a new initiative launched by the Shapiro administration to train justice-involved youth for jobs in skilled trades and in-demand careers.

The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) announced the launch of the Reentry Employment in Skilled Trades, Advanced Manufacturing, Registered Apprenticeships, and Training (RESTART) initiative, which helps justice-involved Pennsylvanians build workforce skills and secure employment.

Through a $2,999,999 U.S. Department of Labor investment, L&I is leading the implementation of the program and is partnering with workforce boards in Lancaster, Allegheny, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties to serve some 400 justice-impacted youth and young adults across the commonwealth.

“RESTART bridges the gap between employers and traditional work-based learning, such as job shadows and pre-apprenticeships, so justice-involved Pennsylvanians can overcome barriers to employment and reach their fullest potential,” L&I Secretary Nancy A. Walker said in a statement. “This initiative is unique in the population that it serves, creating job training and career opportunities for Pennsylvanians who have too often been overlooked.”

The Lancaster County Workforce Development Board (LCWDB) is receiving $518,000 through the initiative. Through its REFORM Work Matters program, LCWDB will work to create pathways to employment in skilled trades for 70 local young adults ages 18-24. According to a release, REFORM Work Matters uses a proven model of reentry strategies to bring together public agencies, workforce systems, training providers, and employers to help participants prepare for and secure employment.

RESTART connects justice-involved Pennsylvanians with training for in-demand industries as they reintegrate into their communities and prepare to enter or return to the workforce.

“Preparing people for successful reentry begins well before they leave a PADOC facility,” said Pennsylvania Department of Corrections Secretary Dr. Laurel R. Harry. “The PADOC provides education and vocational training, treatment and mental health services, workforce preparation, and connections to housing, community resources, and other supports that help individuals address the barriers they may face when returning home.

“Through RESTART, we are building on that work by connecting justice-involved Pennsylvanians with workforce partners, educators, and employers so they can turn the skills they develop into meaningful career opportunities. When we give people the tools and opportunity to succeed, we strengthen families and communities, support successful reentry, and contribute to a safer Pennsylvania.”

L&I received $335,999 to implement RESTART, and four workforce boards, including Lancaster County, received a total of $2,664,000 to begin programming. Partner4Work in Allegheny County, received $851,000, while the Montgomery County Workforce Development Board received $444,000. In Philadelphia County, Philadelphia Works Inc. received $851,000.