The new investment of PPG and PPG Foundation will help the future painters and coaters to learn specialised skills in the field of surface treatments.
The international manufacturer of paints and coatings PPG
and PPG Foundation have recently announced an investment of $2 million to support workforce development initiatives through 2025. The project will help to provide training and opportunities for the future workers of the manufacturing and coatings sectors.
The upcoming commitment aims to introduce students in modern industry as well as provide them with several opportunities in the advanced manufacturing, coating and automotive collision and refinishing industries.
In addition, PPG will use the PPG MOONWALK® and PPG LINQ™ Pro educational tools in the European vocational schools.
“We understand the importance of providing students with a hands-on, practical education that arms them with the advanced skills needed for career placements in technical and STEM-related fields. The PPG Foundation is a long-time supporter of workforce development programs. As we recognize the important contributions of skilled workers during U.S. Manufacturing Month in October, we are dedicating our commitment to connect students with access to the tools and training needed for a vast range of career possibilities,” has stated Malesia Dunn, the executive director of PPG Foundation and corporate global social responsibility.
PPG and PPG Foundation, along with the local technical schools and community colleges, will support the preparation and training for specialised industry certifications and careers through existing and new collaborations. Current partners also include:
- Automotive Refinish Programs: A sample of partner schools that includes the Rosedale Technical College in Pittsburgh (Pennsylvania, U.S.A.), the Delaware Area Career Centre in Delaware (Ohio, U.S.A.) and the Parkway West Career & Tech Centre in Oakdale (Pennsylvania, U.S.A.). With the Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF), the company is funding scholarships to train entry-level staff.
- Chemical Coaters Association International Finishing Education Foundation (CCAI FEF) in Lakewood Ranch (Florida, U.S.A.): The PPG Foundation supported CCAI FEF as it collaborated with the Nuts, Bolts & Thingamajigs Foundation to grow its manufacturing summer camp programme for students aged 11-17.
- Pickaway Ross Career & Technology Centre in Chillicothe (Ohio, U.S.A.): To help students in preparing for their careers in robotics and automation, the PPG Foundation supported a simulation lab, Skill Boss Smart Factory, where they could earn the MSSC's CPT+ Certification for manufacturing skills in safety, quality, production processes and maintenance awareness.
- Manufacturing Institute in Washington (U.S.A.): This PPG Foundation partnership has enabled several initiatives such as the Future programme, also helped by a partnership with the leading digital education provider EVERFI, to bring STEM learning and career awareness for middle school students in the United States.
- Prague Crafts Academy (Prague, Czech Republic): A community engagement grant by PPG that enabled the school to build an innovative and modern workshop for student painters to strengthen their skills. In addition, a PPG technical specialist helped to train the students who visited a PPG manufacturing facility.
“A recent National Association of Manufacturers survey indicates that a majority of manufacturers identify attracting and retaining a quality workforce as one of their biggest problems. The PPG Foundation stands to open the door for future pipelines of talent and invest in programs that support the next generation of workers PPG’s global community engagement efforts and the PPG Foundation aim to bring color and brightness to PPG communities around the world. We invested $16.2 million in 2022, supporting hundreds of organisations across more than 35 countries. By investing in educational opportunities, we help grow today’s skilled workforce and develop tomorrow’s innovators in fields related to coatings and manufacturing. Plus, we empower PPG employees to multiply their impact for causes that are important to them by supporting their volunteer efforts and charitable giving,” has concluded Dunn.