LCCC Receives Manufacturing Training to Career Grant

Schnecksville, Pa., May 7, 2025 – Lehigh Carbon Community College will be able to continue to boost job training opportunities and increase workforce development thanks to a $199,700 Manufacturing PA Training-to-Career (MTTC) grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. Funds will help to develop a Level II Mechatronics program to support the advanced manufacturing workforce in the Lehigh Valley region. The goal of the program, which will partner with regional companies, is to train 20 workers annually to increase their automation, robotics and electromechanical technician skills.

Through the grant, LCCC will upgrade its Mechatronics program to ensure current employees are trained on the latest manufacturing technology improving their job performance, as well as easing the transition of new employees into the workforce.

The MTTC funding will be used to purchase new and upgrade existing equipment, materials and supplies, hire program staff and conduct marketing outreach to employers and Mechatronics I graduates about this new advanced training opportunity.

“We are thrilled to receive this grant, which will enable us to expand our Mechatronics II program offerings and create a more robust stackable credential path,” said Dr. Ann Bieber, president, Lehigh Carbon Community College. “It provides upward mobility for workers in the community, providing higher paying roles and greater job stability.”

The MTTC program 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.

For information on the LCCC Mechatronics program or other workforce training programs, contact Don Worman at DWorman@lccc.edu or 610-769-1354.