Gov. Tom Wolf recently announced the approval of two apprenticeship grants, awarded to Sheet Metal Workers Local Union 12 and Steamfitters Local Union 449 in Pittsburgh, for classroom training for 60 apprentices.
“The more we can support apprenticeship programs across the commonwealth, the stronger our workforce becomes,” Wolf said. “These two grants will help Sheet Metal Workers Local Union #12 and Steamfitter/Pipefitter Local Union 449 with the costs associated with expensive classroom training for 60 apprentices for positions like design, machining, and welding. It’s a win-win for both workers and companies in the region.”
The Sheet Metal Workers Local Union 12 will received a grant of $297,000 over three years to support the cross-training of 30 apprentices, who will complete 1,000 hours of classroom learning over five years and can also take further elective work to obtain additional certifications.
The Steamfitters Local Union 449 will also receive $297,000 over three years to support continued and additional training in advanced welding for 30 apprentices.
The grants support Wolf’s PAsmart proposal, which includes $7 million to support apprenticeships and established a goal of doubling the number of registered apprentices in Pennsylvania by 2025.
The Wolf Administration’s Apprenticeship Training Office (ATO), which was established in 2016, has registered 107 new sponsors and 149 new apprenticeship programs or occupations since its creation. Pennsylvania has 15,476 registered apprentices statewide.