PITTSBURGH, PA — Earlier this week, the Keystone State took a moment to honor the individuals and organizations leading the charge in workforce innovation and development. The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) presented four noteworthy awards in the registered apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship sector, underlining its commitment to expanding economic opportunities for communities and families across the state.
An occasion of particular significance, this inaugural ceremony was hosted by L&I’s Apprenticeship and Training Office (ATO). The ATO, established in 2016, serves as a cornerstone of apprenticeship programs across the state, supporting a multitude of program sponsors, pre-apprenticeships, and occupation-specific registered apprenticeships.
“Apprenticeships are critical in cultivating a competent, skilled workforce that can answer industry demands,” stated L&I Secretary Nancy A. Walker. She went on to praise the award recipients, stating that their achievements “exemplify some of the finest work in the apprenticeship realm in Pennsylvania” and should inspire other organizations to kickstart their registered programs.
This focus on creating a robust apprenticeship ecosystem has been a hallmark of Governor Josh Shapiro’s administration. His budget proposals increasingly earmark funds for workforce development, including significant allocations for apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship schemes.
Sierra Peebles of Erie, the German American Chamber of Commerce Pittsburgh Chapter, Brandon Wolfe of Pittsburgh, and the Breaking the Chains of Poverty in Pittsburgh were honored in the categories of Outstanding Registered Apprentice, Outstanding Registered Apprenticeship Sponsor, Outstanding Registered Pre-Apprentice, and Outstanding Registered Pre-Apprenticeship Sponsor, respectively.
These awards solidify the state’s commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce. The Shapiro Administration remains committed to skills-based hiring and championing multiple career paths, irrespective of whether or not they necessitate a college degree.
Under Governor Shapiro’s administration, historically unprecedented investments have been made into workforce apprenticeship programs. Notably, L&I has joined hands with the Department of Agriculture to create new apprenticeship opportunities within the state’s agriculture industry. This initiative is part of wider efforts to pump investments into organic agriculture via the Center for Organic Excellence.
Given the robust economic recovery, bolstered by a focus on apprenticeship and workforce development, the future looks bright for Pennsylvania’s workforce. In just the last month, the Shapiro Administration announced a $4.2 million grant injection for Industry Partnership schemes designed to prepare Pennsylvania workers for sustainable jobs in the Commonwealth’s most dynamic industries.
In another significant step, the state has earmarked a $379,000 grant to develop an apprenticeship program for teachers. This first-of-its-kind initiative aims to address teacher shortages in Pennsylvania schools and create viable earn-as-you-learn opportunities for individuals pursuing careers in elementary and secondary education.
Governor Shapiro’s proposed budget for 2024-25 continues this commitment to develop the state’s workforce, with major investments lined up for career and technical education, apprenticeship programs, on-the-job training, and more. It also includes plans to develop a digital one-stop-shop for career pathways – benefiting all Pennsylvanians, irrespective of age or education level.
In essence, these actions represent a broader narrative – one where Pennsylvania continues to prioritize investments in people. It’s a narrative that puts the state’s workers first, champions equality, and recognizes the power of diverse, skill-based careers to transform communities and drive economic growth.
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