L&I Secretary Berrier visits Pittsburgh apprenticeship program

Jennifer Berrier, state Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) secretary, recently visited Fortyx80, which provides opportunities for nontraditional job seekers to acquire the skills needed to enter the IT field.

Fortyx80 is the nonprofit branch of the Pittsburgh Technology Council. It allows apprentices to gain nationally recognized credentials.

The software analyst apprenticeship requires 2,480 program hours, and apprentices learn through on-the-job training. Upon completion of the program, enrollees receive industry certification. Fortyx80 expects to have 25 students during the first year of enrollment.

“Advances in technology can shift the needs of entire industries. Apprenticeship programs, like Fortyx80’s, gives apprentices the opportunity to earn while they learn and move directly into the workforce upon completion,” Berrier said. “Providing an alternate education system that adapts to economic changes will support public and private sector innovation as STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) needs grow in western Pennsylvania and across the commonwealth.”

The Pittsburgh Technology Council, Educational Improvement Tax Credits, the PA Department of Community and Economic Development, and subsidies from foundations fund Fortyx80.

Regional companies provide workforce development and STEM educational opportunities for underrepresented groups.

L&I’s Apprenticeship and Training Office supports and expands registered apprenticeship programs statewide.

Apprentices earn a starting wage of $70,000 annually after graduation, L&I estimates.