Skip to main content


Appalachian Regional Commission

          
CLOSE
        Appalachian Region
              Data Overview of the Appalachian Region
                      Appalachian States
                      Appalachian Counties Served by ARC
                      County Economic Status and Distressed Areas in Appalachia
                      Tribal Communities in the Appalachian Region
                      Congressional Districts in Appalachia
                      Local Development Districts in Appalachia
      Investment Priorities
              Building Businesses
                      Workforce Ecosystems
                              Addressing Substance Use Disorder
                      Community Infrastructure
                              Transportation in Appalachia
                      Regional Culture and Tourism
                      Community Leaders and Capacity
                              READY Appalachia
                      Investments in Action
      Grants and Opportunities
              About ARC Grants
                              Match Requirements for ARC Grants
                      Funding Opportunities
                              Area Development ProgramOpen
                                      ARISE InitiativeOpen
                                      INSPIRE Initiative
                                      POWER InitiativeOpen
                                      WORC InitiativeOpen
                      Capacity Building Opportunities
                              Academies and Institutes
                                      READY Appalachia
                      Additional Opportunities
                              Access to Capital Program
                                      Appalachian Regional Energy Hub Initiative
                                      J-1 Visa Waiver Program
                                      Local Access Road Program
                      Contract Opportunities
                      Applicant Resources
                      Grantee Resources
                      Approved ARC Projects
      Research and Data
              Research Reports
                      Evaluations
                      Maps
                      Data Report Tool
                      Fact Sheets and Infographics
      Academies and Institutes
              Appalachian Collegiate Research Initiative
                      Appalachian Entrepreneurship Academy
                      Appalachian Leadership Institute
                      Appalachian STEM Academy
      About ARC
              History and Work
                      Structure and Leadership
                              ARC Offices & Staff
                                      State Partners
                                      Local Development Districts
                                      Office of Inspector General
                      Budget, Performance, and Policy
                      Newsroom
                      Careers at ARC
                      Internships at ARC
      SearchSearch
    Search

              Events
      Newsroom
      Get ARC Updates
      Inspector GeneralFacebook
      Twitter
      Youtube
      LinkedIn You are here
    HomeInvestments in ActionTri-County Workforce Investment Board: Creating PA’s Semi-Conductor Workforce

      	
	
Tri-County Workforce Investment Board: Creating PA’s Semi-Conductor Workforce
	
			Coal-Impacted CommunitiesPennsylvaniaInvestments in Action
	
				
	
	
	*Tri-County Workforce Investment Board is partnering with Steamfitters Local Union 449 (see video above) to offer free training for over 500 participants at its Technology Center in Harmony, PA.*

ARC’s POWER Initiative has invested millions to connect students and workers in coal-impacted communities with in-demand, high-growth industries. One such sector, semiconductor manufacturing, has been experiencing a global shortage since the COVID-19 pandemic. This has impacted the production of everything from home appliances and smart phones, to car keys and other everyday electronic goods. The CHIPS & Science Act of 2022, which aims bolster America’s technology manufacturing capacity, has further increased demand for semiconductor manufacturing professionals.

In Appalachian Pennsylvania, where 67% of counties are coal-producing and feeling the effects of economic transition, the global shortage and resulting legislation provide a critical opportunity. That’s why **Tri-County Workforce Investment Board (TCWIB) received a $1.4 million ARC POWER award** to create a pipeline of skilled Appalachian workers to support the semiconductor manufacturing industry.

A Direct Path for Displaced Workers

TCWIB will partner with the **Steamfitters Local Union 449**to offer free training for workers in 15 coal-impacted counties for sustaining careers in **semiconductor manufacturing**, as well as the high-demand sectors of **HVAC-R services, building information modeling,**and**welding processes.**

This is a much-needed partnership, as the closure of several coal power plants including Hatfield’s Ferry Power Station, First Energy Mitchell Power Station, DTE Energy, Erie Coke Corporation, and Cheswick Generating Station have had devastating economic effects on families and communities.

The program expects to recruit and train up to 550 workers at the Steamfitters’ 570,000-square-foot facility in Harmony, PA. Course offerings will consist of five modules, each ranging in duration from 16 hours to 18 weeks. Upon completion, participants will immediately be employment ready with industry-recognized skills. Several local and regional manufacturers have a presence with the facility, further aiding in quick employment for program graduates.

“The Tri-County Workforce Investment Board and the Steamfitters Local Union 449 are grateful to ARC for investing in the local area to give workers needed skills to have family sustaining wages,” said **Tri-County Workforce Investment Board Executive Director Mary Salony**.  “In addition, this will draw more semiconductor industry employers to the region to increase the number of jobs in the entire region.”



ARC is proud to partner with TCWIB and Steamfitters Local Union 449 as they launch this this much-needed training program. It will not only help displaced coal plant workers capitalize on their existing knowledge and skills, but will allow Appalachia to compete on a global level by meeting widespread need for semiconductor manufacturing and products.

*Learn more about the $54 million ARC’s POWER Initiative awarded to coal-impacted communities in October 2023. This is the largest single POWER investment package since the initiative’s launch in 2015.*





	



More POWER Stories    
    
    Investment in Action      
      Appalachian Pennsylvania: $17.3 Million Awarded for Coal Community Revitalization
																				
																	

  Investment in Action      
      Mountwest Community & Technical College: Constructing a Greener Future in WV
																				
																	

  Investment in Action      
      Central Appalachia: Increasing Capital Access in Coal Communities Appalachian Regional Commission

          About ARC Grants
      Grants and Opportunities
      Newsroom
      Contract Opportunities
      Contact ARC
      Careers

  Get ARC News and Updates
    
    
                
  Sign Up Here
    Web and Privacy Policy