HARRISBURG, PA — In a strategic effort to enhance workforce development and expand opportunities for Pennsylvania’s residents, the Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) recently announced nearly $5.4 million in grant awards aimed at bolstering registered apprenticeship programs across the state. This initiative is designed to provide earn-as-you-learn opportunities, particularly targeting historically underserved populations, and is set to usher in new industry sectors through strategic partnerships with educational institutions.
L&I Deputy Secretary for Workforce Development, Dan Kuba, highlighted the transformative potential of these programs, noting, “Apprenticeships are a game-changer for Pennsylvania workers, offering them the chance to earn a paycheck while gaining valuable, in-demand skills. By investing in these programs, we’re breaking down barriers for workers to obtain good-paying jobs, especially for underserved communities.”
Under Governor Josh Shapiro’s administration, there has been a decisive push towards expanding apprenticeship programs, with nearly 10,000 new apprentices enrolled and more than 55 new programs launched. This expansion is part of a broader strategy reflected in the bipartisan 2024-25 budget, which includes substantial increases in funding for vocational and technical education, supporting a wide array of industries including nursing, information technology, agriculture, energy, and manufacturing.
The awarded programs span a diverse range of sectors:
- Drexel University – Goodwin College of Professional Studies has been granted $600,000 to expand its Certified Clinical Medical Assistant program and develop an Associate of Registered Nurse program through LPN and RN bridge models, serving multiple counties including Bucks and Philadelphia.
- The Learning Lamp will receive $599,852.62 to enhance its Early Childcare Education Registered Apprenticeship, targeting 25-30 childcare workers across Western Pennsylvania.
- Launch of Philadelphia, Inc. is allocated $400,000 to establish a new Information Technology Apprenticeship in Cybersecurity, supporting vital roles in industries such as finance and healthcare.
- Institute for Leadership Education, Advancement, and Development, Inc. (I-LEAD, Inc.) plans to use its $400,000 grant to create a behavioral health technician training program in Berks County.
- Pasa Sustainable Agriculture will benefit from $599,924.66 to support new farmers through the Diversified Vegetable Apprenticeship Program on a statewide level.
- Pennsylvania College of Technology is set to develop a new apprenticeship in transportation with its $600,000 funding, focusing on training bus mechanics to meet demand in suburban and rural areas.
- Keystone Community Education Council has been awarded $600,000 to expand and develop manufacturing apprenticeships, including a new Mold Maintenance program in various counties such as Erie and Mercer.
- The Wistar Institute will use $596,989.70 to expand its Biomedical Technician Training program, creating a sustainable apprenticeship network for Quality Control Analysts.
- Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) has received $399,645.26 to establish a two-year welding apprenticeship program.
- Steamfitters Local Union No. 449 JATC will expand its School-2-Career training program with a $600,000 grant, offering HVAC-R certifications to 25 new apprentices.
The Apprenticeship and Training Office (ATO), established in 2016, continues to support a robust framework of 877 registered apprenticeship program sponsors and over 15,000 active apprentices across Pennsylvania. This initiative not only aligns with the state’s economic development goals but also highlights its efforts to foster an inclusive and skilled workforce ready to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving economy.
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