Grant-Funded Skills Training Available for Pennsylvania Businesses

February 20, 2003

IOWA CITY, Iowa—Employees at Pennsylvania businesses can receive grant-funded training through a network of Internet-based testing and training centers located at several Pennsylvania community colleges. WEDnetPA—a state-funded program designed to strengthen Pennsylvania businesses through employee skills training—has announced that it will award millions of dollars in online training grants to businesses.

The Workforce and Economic Development Network of Pennsylvania—or WEDnetPA—has awarded training funds to manufacturing- and technology-based companies throughout the commonwealth.

WEDnetPA-approved skills training is available at community colleges hosting ACT Centers, which use the Internet and other computer-based technologies to create customized career counseling, testing and training for businesses and individuals. Pennsylvania ACT Centers are located at:

Northampton County Area Community College in Bethlehem, Penn.
Harrisburg Area Community College in Harrisburg, Penn.
Luzerne County Community College in Nanticoke, Penn.
Bucks County Community College in Newtown, Penn.
Community College of Philadelphia in Philadelphia, Penn.
Community College of Allegheny County in Pittsburgh, Penn.

"ACT Centers make it possible to deliver training anywhere it is needed," said Tom Saterfiel, ACT's senior vice president for corporate development. "Pennsylvania workers will be able to train from home, from work, or from the road using this vast library of web-based training courses."

ACT Centers administer courses by top e-learning providers, including Element K and SkillSoft. Course topics available through WEDnetPA grants include organizational management, word processing, computer programming, leadership and team building.

"Community colleges are a valuable resource for Pennsylvania workers, and grants such as this make it possible for more workers to benefit from their services," Saterfiel said. "ACT is looking forward to providing skills training services for the Pennsylvania workforce through WEDnetPA."