WILLIAMSPORT, PA — The Shapiro Administration has reaffirmed its commitment to addressing workforce shortages in critical industries through a targeted $600,000 investment in the Bus Mechanic Apprenticeship Program for Pennsylvania (BmapPA). This program, developed in partnership with the Pennsylvania College of Technology (Penn College), PennTRAIN, and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), aims to tackle the growing need for skilled diesel technicians by training workers to fill high-demand roles in the transportation sector.
The program was the focus of a visit by Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) Secretary Nancy A. Walker and Senator Gene Yaw (R-23) to Penn College on February 11. Their tour highlighted the direct impacts of the Shapiro Administration’s investment, which promises to alleviate workforce gaps while showcasing the unique hands-on learning opportunities offered by apprenticeship programs at Penn College.
Bridging Workforce Gaps in Transportation
With public transit systems across the Commonwealth facing significant challenges due to a shortage of skilled bus mechanics, BmapPA offers a timely and practical solution. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects roughly 24,400 annual job openings for diesel service technicians over the next decade, underscoring the urgent need for targeted workforce initiatives. Pennsylvania’s rural and suburban transit agencies, in particular, stand to benefit from the program’s efforts to build a steady pipeline of qualified workers.
BmapPA’s apprenticeship initiative blends on-the-job training with technical instruction, ensuring participants acquire both the practical and theoretical expertise required to excel as diesel technicians. The program includes partnerships with six public transportation agencies across Pennsylvania, namely Altoona Metro Transit, Berks Area Regional Transit Authority, Capital Area Transit, Monroe County Transportation Authority, Red Rose Transit Authority, and River Valley Transit.
Expanding Opportunities with Apprenticeships
“Apprenticeship programs are a critical tool for empowering workers across Pennsylvania, enabling them to earn a living while developing the specialized skills employers need,” said Secretary Walker during the visit. She emphasized that expanding apprenticeship opportunities helps open doors for individuals from diverse backgrounds, providing access to sustainable, family-supporting careers.
Traditionally affiliated with the building trades, apprenticeship programs across Pennsylvania are now being extended to other industries, including transportation, healthcare, and education. By investing in nontraditional sectors, the Shapiro Administration seeks to create pathways for underserved populations to benefit from high-quality training and economic opportunities.
Building Innovation Through Collaboration
Penn College, a national leader in apprenticeship education, is at the forefront of the BmapPA initiative. Through its comprehensive training programs in advanced manufacturing, clean energy, and transportation, the college provides the technical and practical skills necessary for workforce advancement. With the launch of BmapPA, Penn College is set to serve 36 apprentices in the program’s first cohort, drawing participants from six counties around the state.
During their Williamsport visit, Secretary Walker and Senator Yaw observed firsthand the value of Penn College’s apprenticeship programs, touring its facilities and meeting with the individuals shaping the future of Pennsylvania’s workforce. The visit also included a tour of Lycoming Engines, a key local employer and long-time partner of the college in workforce development.
“It was a pleasure to welcome Secretary Walker and her team to Williamsport to highlight Pennsylvania’s position as a leader in both advanced manufacturing and education,” said Senator Yaw. “Lycoming Engines is a pillar of the aviation industry and a proud partner of Penn College, working together to build a skilled workforce that drives innovation and success.”
Looking Ahead
By investing in programs like BmapPA, the Shapiro Administration is advancing solutions to some of Pennsylvania’s most pressing workforce challenges. These efforts not only bolster critical industries but also support economic growth across the state by creating new opportunities for residents to thrive in meaningful, good-paying careers.
The BmapPA initiative represents an innovative approach to filling high-demand jobs while elevating the role of apprenticeships in shaping Pennsylvania’s employment landscape. With its strategic focus on collaboration and skill development, the program sets a robust example of how targeted investments can deliver long-term benefits for the Commonwealth’s workforce and infrastructure. Looking forward, these investments are a testament to Pennsylvania’s commitment to building a diversified, inclusive, and future-ready labor market.
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