Philadelphia, PA, Feb. 26, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) - 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.
This investment builds on Pennsylvania’s broader commitment to expanding access to high-quality career pathways and strengthening the Commonwealth’s workforce, as outlined by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry’s PAsmart initiative. The funds will be used to develop an individual-model welding Registered Apprenticeship sponsored by DeVal Lifecycle Support, enroll at least five apprentices, and provide supportive services that help participants successfully complete the welding apprenticeship.
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.
The project period runs from January 1, 2026, through June 30, 2028.
For DeVal Lifecycle Support, WeldWorks Philly directly supports the company’s long-term investment in Philadelphia’s manufacturing workforce. Located in the Tacony section of Philadelphia, DeVal produces and supports complex defense and aerospace equipment, where skilled welders play a critical role in quality, safety, and mission readiness. By sponsoring the apprenticeship, DeVal is helping create a repeatable pathway that connects local residents to skilled trades careers while strengthening the industrial base needed to support U.S. defense programs.
Philadelphia Works will serve as project lead and grant administrator, with DeVal Lifecycle 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.
Sam Thevanayagam, Owner & CEO of DeVal Lifecycle Support, called the investment “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.”
Philadelphia Works President and CEO H. Patrick Clancy called the investment “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.”
For updates on the grant, including employer engagement and apprentice recruitment, visit ApprenticeshipPHL at https://apprenticeshipphl.org/
DeVal Lifecycle Support is a Philadelphia-based manufacturer and lifecycle sustainment partner serving defense, aerospace, and industrial customers. From its HUBZone facility in the Tacony section of Philadelphia, DeVal supports complex welding, fabrication, assembly, repair, and support equipment programs that help customers maintain readiness across critical systems.
Note: This release was originally distributed by Philadelphia Works and is shared here with DeVal Lifecycle Support’s participation as program sponsor.
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