Gov. Tom Wolf discussed Pennsylvania’s workforce development strategy and touted the state’s accomplishments at a roundtable discussion with President Donald Trump and a group of governors at the White House Thursday.
“We have a robust, focused bipartisan effort to address employment and creating the strongest workforce in the nation, and I appreciate the opportunity to share our accomplishments with the President and my fellow governors,” Wolf said. “We’re enhancing job training for in-demand careers, creating fairer job licensing requirements, supporting our military families, and removing barriers to success for formerly incarcerated individuals.”
Wolf also thanked the General Assembly for their efforts on workforce development.
“These efforts would not even be considered without the shared commitment of our General Assembly, and I thank them for their work and their many accomplishments,” he said.
Wolf also outlined his approach to workforce development. The governor is proposing reforms to occupational licensing and has proposed the PA GI Bill to support military families. The proposed Statewide Workforce, Education, and Accountability Program (SWEAP) would expand access to early childhood education, increase investments in schools, and enhance collaboration with the private sector and stakeholders.
The PAsmart initiative, which launched last year, is investing in science and technology education, job training, and apprenticeships. The Keystone Economic Development and Workforce Command Center bring together the private sector and state agencies to address the skills gap, worker shortages, and other workforce challenges. Pennsylvania has also launched the Apprenticeship and Training Office, which has resulted in 206 new apprenticeship programs or occupations.
Wolf also discussed reentry and reintegration programs aimed at helping inmates and parolees overcome barriers to post-incarceration success.
“We know that effective reentry strategies reduce recidivism and increase public safety, and we are cutting red tape to help those reentering their communities succeed,” Wolf said. “I commend our General Assembly for viewing this important, ongoing effort through a bi-partisan lens, focused on individuals, not political party.”