BETHLEHEM, PA — In a spirited commencement of National Apprenticeship Week, Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) Secretary Nancy A. Walker underscored the importance of apprenticeship programs as vital elements of the state’s workforce development strategy. During the ApprenticeshipPA Collaborative and Expo on Monday, hosted by the Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association in collaboration with the Pennsylvania Association of Career & Technical Administrators, stakeholders gathered to explore advancements in apprenticeship opportunities across the state.
Secretary Walker emphasized the critical role of apprenticeships in bridging the gap between academic learning and practical career paths. “I am proud to recognize the vital role apprenticeships play in developing Pennsylvania’s workforce,” she stated. “Apprenticeships provide Pennsylvanians a direct path to good-paying, high-quality jobs and bridge the gap between classroom learning and meaningful careers.”
Governor Josh Shapiro’s administration has prioritized workforce development by promoting skills-based hiring and valuing diverse career paths. This approach is reflected in the recent bipartisan budget approval, which increased funding for vocational-technical and Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs by $30 million and allocated $2 million to nursing apprenticeship programs to address statewide nursing shortages. Over Governor Shapiro’s tenure, the administration has committed an additional $61 million to enhance workforce initiatives, including apprenticeships and technical training.
The economic advantages of apprenticeships are substantial. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, apprentices begin their careers with an average starting wage of $80,000 annually and are projected to earn $300,000 more over their careers than non-apprenticeship graduates. Employers also benefit, gaining an estimated $1.47 return for each dollar invested in apprenticeship programs due to increased productivity.
Since its establishment in 2016, the Apprenticeship and Training Office (ATO) within L&I has supported a robust network of apprenticeship programs, currently overseeing 881 registered program sponsors and 1,683 occupation-specific programs across Pennsylvania. The office boasts 15,768 active registered apprentices, alongside 122 pre-apprenticeship programs and 1,032 active pre-apprentices. The Shapiro Administration has approved over 66 new apprenticeship programs and facilitated the enrollment of nearly 11,000 new apprentices since assuming office.
Carrie Amann, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association, remarked on the collaborative efforts to enhance apprenticeship models during the expo. “We’re proud to celebrate National Apprenticeship Week by bringing together educators, workforce development professionals, and apprenticeship experts to share strategies to expand and improve apprenticeships and earn-as-you-learn models,” she said. “Pennsylvania has a strong, collaborative approach to workforce development and training and a proven apprenticeship approach.”
The event highlighted Pennsylvania’s commitment to fostering a robust talent pipeline through apprenticeships, ensuring the state’s workforce remains competitive and well-prepared to meet future economic demands. As National Apprenticeship Week continues, Pennsylvania reaffirms its dedication to expanding opportunities for all citizens, reinforcing the state’s position as a leader in workforce development.
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