The U.S. Department of Labor recently awarded the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) a $3.9 million grant to build and modernize the state’s registered apprenticeship system.
“Pennsylvania workers are looking for jobs that offer family-sustaining wages and opportunities for growth,” L&I Secretary Jennifer Berrier said. “Apprenticeship is the workforce development model that connects these talented workers with employers who are eager to invest in skills development – which sets up a business for long-term success, especially in this highly competitive labor market. Apprenticeship is a win-win for the worker and the employer, and it strengthens Pennsylvania’s economy overall.”
Funding will be used to expand diversity, equity, inclusion, and access to apprenticeship programs among underrepresented communities; incentivize registered apprenticeship and registered pre-apprenticeship program growth; and offer support services to apprentices.
The L&I’s Apprenticeship Building America Office will offer training webinars on how and why to connect job seekers to apprenticeships, leverage Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act funds to support apprentices, assist local workforce areas with creating strategic plans to expand registered apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs, and enhance apprenticeship-related expertise among local workforce development board and PA CareerLink staff.
The office supports nearly 5,000 new apprentices, more than 17,000 active apprentices, and more than 1,500 active occupation-specific apprenticeship programs.