Kinkead celebrates $200,000 for North Hills welding program
State grant grows advanced skills training opportunities for local students
Rep. Emily Kinkead February 19, 2025 | 2:45 PM
ROSS TOWNSHIP, Feb. 19 – State Rep. Emily Kinkead announced today a state grant of nearly $200,000 has been awarded to support the North Hills Welding and Technology Education Program.
“I’m thrilled to see the Shapiro-Davis administration make such a significant investment in the students at North Hills,” said Kinkead, D-Allegheny. “Whether it’s bolstering workforce development programs like this or making higher education more affordable, I’m committed to creating more pathways toward family-sustaining careers for the people of Allegheny County.”
Kinkead said the $199,840 grant will fund equipment upgrades and support staff for the welding program, which has been running for 10 years at North Hills School District.
“The North Hills School District is extremely excited to receive this funding, and we thank Rep. Kinkead for her support on this important initiative,” said Dr. Patrick J. Mannarino, North Hills School District superintendent.
“This funding will transform the North Hills Welding and Technology Education program, benefiting both our students and the regional manufacturing industry. With the grant, we will update and refurbish our equipment, ensuring we continue to provide our students with best-in-class training essential for excelling in high-demand careers. At the same time, it will help address the critical workforce needs of local manufacturers. Together, we are building a talent pipeline that strengthens our community and secures the future success of manufacturing in Pennsylvania."
The grant was awarded through the state Department of Community and Economic Development’s Manufacturing PA Training-to-Career Grant Program, which works collaboratively with local manufacturers to identify and teach missing essential skills for entry level applicants seeking manufacturing employment, engage youth or those with barriers to career opportunities in manufacturing, and/or advance capacity for local or regional manufacturers.