KeyBank Invests $450K in Pittsburgh's TIP for Masonry Pre-Apprenticeship Program
KeyBank has committed $450,000 to the Trade Institute of Pittsburgh (TIP) to enhance its Advanced Masonry Pre-Apprenticeship Program (AMP). This program aims to help individuals who face employment barriers and marginalized groups secure living-wage jobs or other opportunities that can improve their lives.
AMP offers a blended training model focused on skill development within the trade industries. The program's main objective is to identify talented individuals in TIP’s masonry program and offer them specialized training under the guidance of experienced professionals. This targeted approach helps accelerate the transition from training to employment.
“The Advanced Masonry Pre-Apprenticeship Program addresses the demand for skilled workers in the greater Pittsburgh area, while also fostering a workforce that mirrors the diversity of the communities it serves,” stated Vic Laurenza, KeyBank Western Pennsylvania Market President. “We are honored to support TIP in its mission to eliminate barriers to resources and training within our community. We believe that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, should have the opportunity for a successful future, and quality training is an essential foundation for that success.”
"Our hybrid training model provides a nurturing environment for our students, while encouraging employers to invest in a new generation of skilled professionals,” said Donta Green, Executive Director of TIP. “This collaboration allows employers to build a talent pipeline with TIP, fostering relationships with students who have the potential to become valuable employees."
Participants in AMP will receive comprehensive support services, including case management, trauma-informed counseling, financial literacy training, career awareness skills, and other tailored services. Upon completing the program, pre-apprentices will earn 350 credit hours toward their four-year apprenticeship and a starting wage of $28 per hour, along with benefits.
Based in Pittsburgh’s Homewood community, TIP has graduated over 700 men and women since 2013. These graduates have secured jobs with self-sufficient wages, meeting the growing demand for skilled tradespeople in bricklaying, masonry, and carpentry.
Since 2017, KeyBank has invested more than $525 million in Western Pennsylvania, supporting low- to moderate-income individuals and neighborhoods through affordable housing loans, small business financing, mortgages, and transformative philanthropic efforts.
AMP offers a blended training model focused on skill development within the trade industries. The program's main objective is to identify talented individuals in TIP’s masonry program and offer them specialized training under the guidance of experienced professionals. This targeted approach helps accelerate the transition from training to employment.
“The Advanced Masonry Pre-Apprenticeship Program addresses the demand for skilled workers in the greater Pittsburgh area, while also fostering a workforce that mirrors the diversity of the communities it serves,” stated Vic Laurenza, KeyBank Western Pennsylvania Market President. “We are honored to support TIP in its mission to eliminate barriers to resources and training within our community. We believe that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, should have the opportunity for a successful future, and quality training is an essential foundation for that success.”
"Our hybrid training model provides a nurturing environment for our students, while encouraging employers to invest in a new generation of skilled professionals,” said Donta Green, Executive Director of TIP. “This collaboration allows employers to build a talent pipeline with TIP, fostering relationships with students who have the potential to become valuable employees."
Participants in AMP will receive comprehensive support services, including case management, trauma-informed counseling, financial literacy training, career awareness skills, and other tailored services. Upon completing the program, pre-apprentices will earn 350 credit hours toward their four-year apprenticeship and a starting wage of $28 per hour, along with benefits.
Based in Pittsburgh’s Homewood community, TIP has graduated over 700 men and women since 2013. These graduates have secured jobs with self-sufficient wages, meeting the growing demand for skilled tradespeople in bricklaying, masonry, and carpentry.
Since 2017, KeyBank has invested more than $525 million in Western Pennsylvania, supporting low- to moderate-income individuals and neighborhoods through affordable housing loans, small business financing, mortgages, and transformative philanthropic efforts.
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