US Labor Secretary highlights Pa. workforce development in visit to Johnstown, Mechanicsburg

U.S. Department of Labor Secretary Eugene Scalia traveled this week to Johnstown and Mechanicsburg, Pa., two industry-heavy cities, to highlight workforce development within the region.

During his visit to Johnstown, Scalia joined U.S. Reps. John Joyce (R-PA) and Glenn “G.T.” Thompson (R-PA) in touring JWF Industries, meeting with company leadership and apprentices.

“I am always encouraged to see businesses using apprenticeships to equip workers with skills that lead to good paying jobs,” Scalia said. “Apprenticeships play a key role in getting Americans back to work. The President’s actions to expand these programs, along with pro-business policies such as tax cuts, deregulation, and fair and reciprocal trade agreements will bolster our economic recovery.”

Thompson added that workforce development, such as apprenticeships, skilled trainings, and job creation and retention, is critical to the resiliency of Pennsylvania’s community and economy, as well as the national supply chain.

JWF Industries, a manufacturer of metal centric products for defense, energy, construction, and transportation, is a great example of America’s manufacturing excellence, Joyce said.

“The JWF team is part of the long tradition of dedicated Pennsylvanians who have built our nation and forged our defenses,” he said. “By investing in workers and creating defense jobs in Johnstown, JWF is producing benefits for our community, our economy, and for our nation.”

Following his trip to Johnstown, Scalia then visited the Central Pennsylvania Chapter of the Independent Electrical Contractors in Mechanicsburg to meet with apprentices.

“I was pleased to visit and learn more today about the Independent Electrical Contractors’ work to help men and women develop the skills needed to secure high-paying jobs,” Scalia said.