The Pennsylvania Department of Education awarded about $1.5 million in competitive grants to 39 Career and Technical Centers and three school districts to purchase equipment to train students for jobs in high-demand through the Career and Technical Education Equipment Grant program.

A news release from Gov. Tom Wolf’s office said that Butler County Area Vocational-Technical School will receive $12,500.

Regina Hiler, executive director of the school, said the $12,500 grant will purchase a K4382-1 Lincoln Dual Maverick 200/200X Kubota Outside Welder with an equipment set for the school’s welding program.

The maximum grant is $50,000, and each grant must be matched dollar for dollar from a local source, which could include local school funds or contributions from business and industry partners.

“There is an incredible number of job openings for skilled workers in communities throughout Pennsylvania,” Wolf said. “This equipment will allow young people to get the hands-on training they need for those good jobs that pay family sustaining wages.”