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Government Grants
BUILD INDUSTRY
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By / Jordan Whitehouse very year, governments across the continent offer up billions of dollars in grant money that could go to Locals looking to do everything from renovate a training facility to add staff. But every year, some of that money gets left on the table. That’s really too bad, as there are grants available to everybody, says Greg Blose, business manager at Local 12 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. “You just have to apply for them,” he says. “And once you get those funds, you just got free money. It’s a no-brainer. Any chance we get now, we apply for the grants.” In May, Local 12’s JATC received a $500,000 grant from Pennsylvania’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program. Last year, the JATC learned it would be receiving $297,000 from the state to expand its apprenticeship program. And in 2017, it was approved for a grant of $900,000 for a completely new training center. All of those funds are a big relief to a Local that will train about 160 apprentices this year, Blose says. “It just helps our budget,” he says. “We’re able to move part of our budget elsewhere to where we might need something extra. In the near future, for instance, we’re probably going to need to add another full-time teacher because we have day school, and that’s certainly going to help having that extra money.” 4 » Partners in Progress » www.pinp.org
So what, specifically, will the JATC be spending this grant money on? Well, the $500,000 will go to remodelling its circa-1800s union hall—aka its “largest classroom”—in Harmar, Pennsylvania. Plans include a new HVAC system, electrical upgrades, and a new exterior door, as well as a new roof, exterior repairs, and plumbing improvements. Plus, the Local wants to purchase new furniture, fixtures, and equipment for the reception and kitchen areas. The renovation will also allow the JATC to rent out the facility for small events and weddings. Profits go to the apprenticeship training fund. “This facility is rather old, and it’s definitely in need of upgrades and updating,” says James Strother, executive director of SMACNA of Western Pennsylvania. “And, it’s a costly endeavor to be picked up by the training center. We’d rather use those funds that are negotiated to actually train the apprentices and the journeymen that come in for training.” That $900,000 grant will certainly help them do that, too, as those funds are slated for a new year-round training center in Harmar. In the past, the JATC had to do some training outside, so if there was bad weather, class would be cancelled. Now, that won’t be an issue.
