The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry has awarded funding to the Chester County Workforce Investment Board (WIB) to: 

1. Support the continued operation of Chester County's 5 Industry Partnerships, and;
2. Fund Industry Partnership Worker Training.

Grant amounts awarded for Chester County Industry Partnerships to continue operations and carry out initiatives:

• $40,000 awarded for the BioScience Industry Partnership of Southeastern PA; 
• $40,000 awarded for the Smart Energy Initiative of Southeastern PA;
• $50,000 awarded for the Chester County Healthcare Industry Partnership;
• $50,000 awarded for the Innovative Technology Action Group of Southeastern PA;
• $50,000 awarded for the Southeastern PA Agriculture Industry Partnership

Chester County Industry Partnership (IP) Worker Training grant awards:

• $100,000 to train workers through the BioScience IP;
• $150,000 to train workers through the Smart Energy Initiative;
• $170,000 to train workers through the Chester County Healthcare IP;
• $170,000 to train workers through the Innovative Technology Action Group IP;
• $125,000 to train workers through the Agriculture IP

An Industry Partnership is a multi-employer collaborative that brings together management and employees to improve the competitiveness of a cluster of companies.

The Chester County WIB's workforce development strategy seeks to utilize education and training dollars to generate cutting-edge skills needed by employers by promoting opportunities and advancement for workers and job-seekers.  IP worker training funds are targeted to the common high-skill training needs of multiple employers within an industry cluster. 

The Chester County Economic Development Council is a vital partner of the WIB in coordinating Industry Partnership projects that advance Chester County's human capital resources by bringing together companies and organizations in similar industries.

Click here to learn more about Chester County's Industry Partnership programs.