HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania is taking a significant step to address the workforce shortage in the meat processing industry. The Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Rick Siger has announced a $90,000 investment in Penn State University’s Butcher Apprenticeship Program. This funding, part of the Foundations in Industry Training (FIT) grant, aims to support pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs that allow job seekers to earn while they learn.
The Butcher Apprenticeship Program is designed to meet the growing demand for skilled butchers and meat processors. With an aging workforce nearing retirement, the industry faces a critical need for trained professionals. The program will offer ten students five weeks of specialized instruction at Penn State’s University Park campus. They will learn about meat composition, animal anatomy, knife safety, Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations, and sanitation.
After completing the classroom instruction, students will enter regional registered apprentice programs. They will receive 3,000 hours of on-the-job training under the guidance of a mentor. This hands-on experience allows them to earn a salary while acquiring essential skills.
Secretary Rick Siger emphasized the importance of this initiative. “The Shapiro Administration knows that investing in our people through apprenticeship programs is a critical step to build a robust workforce and strengthen the Pennsylvania economy,” he said. “DCED is thrilled to support workforce training programs like Penn State’s Butcher Apprenticeship program, which allow students to transition from classroom to career, improve their skills, and fill a growing need within the industry.”
Governor Shapiro’s bipartisan 2024-2025 budget reflects a significant commitment to workforce development. The budget allocates $30 million to career and technical training, apprenticeship, and pre-apprenticeship programs. This investment aims to tackle the workforce shortage and create real opportunities for workers across Pennsylvania.
Training programs like the Butcher Apprenticeship Program are vital to Pennsylvania’s agriculture industry, a key sector in Governor Shapiro’s Economic Development Strategy. The agriculture industry contributes $132 billion annually to the state’s economy. Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding highlighted the importance of local food and the need for skilled workers to meet demand. “Pennsylvania families are more aware than ever that local food is fresher and keeps more money in the local economy and in the pockets of local businesses,” he said.
Expanding pre-apprenticeships and apprenticeships benefits the state’s economy by creating strong pipelines between schools and the workforce. These programs provide students with family-sustaining wages and supply businesses with the talent they need to succeed. The Butcher Apprenticeship Program will take about two years to complete, after which students will meet all requirements to be registered journey workers in the meat processing industry. The program will connect apprentices with nearly 500 business and industry partners ready to hire.
This initiative is also open to those already working in the industry who want to enhance their skills. Dana Ollendyke, Butcher Apprenticeship Program Coordinator, underscored the grant’s importance. “This grant is crucial to the Butcher Apprenticeship Program as it provides essential funding for training,” she said. “The training enables butchers to refine their skills, uphold food safety standards, and sustain quality practices in meat processing, ensuring the program’s viability and contribution to the industry’s integrity and growth.”
The FIT grant and the Butcher Apprenticeship Program represent a strategic investment in Pennsylvania’s future, addressing immediate workforce needs while fostering long-term economic growth.
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