Pittsburgh is making strides in job equity with a fresh round of funding to advance women in the manufacturing sector. On a recent visit, U.S. Department of Labor Acting Secretary Julie Su announced a grant award of $716,701 to Pittsburgh's Catalyst Connection. This grant, part of the Women in Apprenticeship and Nontraditional Occupations (WANTO) program, totals $6 million and is designed to boost female participation in manufacturing jobs traditionally dominated by men.
“As the Biden-Harris administration continues to improve the lives of working people, creating family-sustaining jobs and growing an economy that works for everyone, we’re focused on gender equity and making sure all communities benefit,” Acting Secretary Su said, as reported by the City of Pittsburgh's official website. This initiative is in line with the broader Investing in America campaign by the current administration. Mayor Ed Gainey also expressed his support, emphasizing the prospects for Pittsburgh's underserved communities to access equitable career opportunities.
The Pittsburgh Workforce Hub, which is set to benefit from this influx of federal dollars, operates through a collaborative effort involving the White House Domestic Policy Council, Mayor Ed Gainey, Department of Labor, and Partner4Work. This network intends to build and maintain long-term economic growth and job creation.
The collective commitment to the Pittsburgh Good Jobs Principles stands as a testament to the citywide dedication to job quality and accessibility. Acting Secretary Su's Good Jobs Tour, which began in 2024, has brought her to cities across the United States from Alabama to Virginia, with Pittsburgh as one of her latest stops.
