$399,812 PAsmart Investment Builds Philadelphia's Advanced Manufacturing Talent Pipeline

A scalable apprenticeship model connecting employers to skilled workers and residents to family-sustaining careers

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Philadelphia Works has been awarded $399,812 through Pennsylvania's PAsmart Advanced Manufacturing initiative to support the development of WeldWorks Philly, a new Registered Apprenticeship, designed to prepare residents for high-demand welding careers in Philadelphia's advanced manufacturing sector. The funds will be used to develop an individual-model welding Registered Apprenticeship sponsored by DeVal Life Cycle Support, enroll at least five apprentices, and provide supportive services that help participants successfully complete the welding apprenticeship.

Why it matters

As advanced manufacturing employers continue to face talent shortages, WeldWorks Philly will help close critical workforce gaps by preparing apprentices with specialized welding skills and hands-on experience aligned to industry demand. This investment builds on Pennsylvania's broader commitment to expanding access to high-quality career pathways and strengthening the Commonwealth's workforce.

The details

Philadelphia Works will serve as project lead and grant administrator, with DeVal Life Cycle Support serving as program sponsor and apprenticeship implementer. The model includes both related technical instruction (RTI) and on-the-job training (OJT), ensuring apprentices gain the credentials, experience, and support needed to advance into high-quality manufacturing careers with long-term economic mobility.

  • The project period runs from January 1, 2026, through June 30, 2028.

The players

Philadelphia Works

The organization serving as project lead and grant administrator for the WeldWorks Philly apprenticeship program.

DeVal Life Cycle Support

The company serving as program sponsor and apprenticeship implementer for the WeldWorks Philly apprenticeship program.

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What they’re saying

“an intentional commitment to developing people so they can achieve their God-given potential and help shape the future of manufacturing. WeldWorks Philly will create structured career pathways that equip our Philadelphia community with critical, in-demand welding skills, industry-recognized credentials, and the opportunity to earn while they learn. We're proud to partner with Philadelphia Works to strengthen our region's advanced manufacturing talent pipeline, expand the defense industrial base, and create pathways to lasting economic opportunity through the skilled trades.”

— Sam Thevanayagam, Owner & CEO of DeVal Lifecycle Support (Globe Newswire)

“a critical step toward closing real workforce gaps in advanced manufacturing while opening doors to family-sustaining careers for Philadelphia residents. WeldWorks Philly is about meeting employer demand with skilled local talent and building a stronger, more competitive regional economy.”

— H. Patrick Clancy, President and CEO of Philadelphia Works (Globe Newswire)

The takeaway

This investment in the WeldWorks Philly apprenticeship program demonstrates Pennsylvania's commitment to expanding access to high-quality career pathways and strengthening the Commonwealth's workforce, particularly in the advanced manufacturing sector where employers face critical talent shortages. By preparing residents with specialized welding skills and hands-on experience, this program aims to close workforce gaps and create pathways to family-sustaining careers.