Industry Partnerships (IP) begin with state funds, allocated by the General Assembly, which combine with federal funds to support the system.Once funds are allocated, the Department of Labor and Industry-drafted guidelines for applying for Industry Partnership and Worker Training grants are used.Any group is eligible to apply, but all groups must partner with at least one Local Workforce Investment Board (LWIB).Applicants draft proposals, which are submitted to DLI and are reviewed as part of a competitive bidding process.Funding is awarded based on specific criteria and availability of funds.
Industry Partnership member companies provide in-kind and matching contributions, which are then leveraged from the state contribution and invested back into the partnership and training programs.As the partnership shows success, more businesses become members, building the IP and eventually making it self-sustaining.
The service model for IPs, as well as the entire PA workforce development system, provides one source for the delivery of all workforce programs.LWIBs, PA CareerLinks (one-stops), and IPs collaborate to meet the various needs of PA residents and businesses.
Beneficiaries of IPs include job seekers, employers, incumbent workers, labor unions and management, education and training providers, students and youth, among others.The Industry Partnership concept created a much more targeted approach to worker education and training than the previous system because the focus shifted to advanced and innovative training for both the employer and the employee simultaneously whereas previous programs focused on one or the other.
