On July 13, 2022, the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) announced securing a $3.9 million grant from the federal Department of Labor (DOL) to improve and modernize Pennsylvania’s registered apprentice system.
According to Pennsylvania (L&I), the Apprentice and Training Office (ATO) receives $3.9 million in grant funding through the federal Apprenticeship Building America program. The ATO is one of the 30 to receive funding for apprenticeship programs in America.
“This funding is needed now more than ever, as Pennsylvania’s economy continues to recover from pandemic-related challenges, including the need to train and onboard workers in critical supply-chain industries and among populations disproportionately affected by the pandemic,” Gov. Wolf said. “Apprenticeship plays an integral role in turning these many challenges into an opportunity to create a more dynamic, resilient workforce. My administration remains committed to ensuring all Pennsylvanians, regardless of background, have equitable access to opportunities that provide reliable, family-sustaining career pathways.”
The ATO is trying to make these programs with added diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility for underrepresented communities, focusing on Pennsylvania’s workforce system apprenticeships. The program plans to boast apprenticeship expertise among the local workforce development board and PA CareerLink staff. The ATO assists local workforces across Pennsylvania by strategically expanding registered and pre-apprenticeship programs. On top of these webinars, training will show how job seekers can use the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funds to support their apprentices.
The $3.9 million grant incentivize registered apprentice and pre-apprenticeship programs. According to Pennsylvania L&I, diversification of the apprentice program and talent that focuses on careers in non-traditional industries and industries dealing with critical supply chains includes:
- Logistics
- Warehouse
- Manufacturing
- Transportation
- Clean Energy
- Public Service
- Healthcare
- Childcare
- Construction
- Technology
“Pennsylvania workers are looking for jobs that offer family-sustaining wages and opportunities for growth. Apprenticeship is the workforce development model that connects these talented workers with employers who are eager to invest in skills development, said L&I Secretary Jennifer Berrier. 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,”
The L&I’s Apprenticeship and Training Office (ATO), established in 2016, has expanded registered apprenticeship programs across the state. This program was part of the PAsmart framework. The ATO provides outreach, education, and technical support to current and future apprenticeship program sponsors and apprentices. The focus is on expanding non-traditional occupancies and the underrepresented chances to succeed. According to Pennsylvania L&I, the ATO currently has more than 17,000 active apprentices, 5,000 new apprentices, and over 1,500 active occupation-specific apprenticeship programs in Pennsylvania. Since 2018, $28 million in apprenticeship programs. These academic STEM training services include:
- Computer sciences
- Science
- Technology
- Engineering
- Math
Other training services:
- Agriculture
- Manufacturing
- Healthcare
- IT
- Education
- Human services
- Building trades and more.
According to the Pennsylvania L&I, on average, the apprentices from this program started earning a wage of $70,000 after graduating. Additionally, they are estimated to acquire more than $300,00 more than workers who did not do the program over their entire career. Most of the apprentices remain at their employer who trained them, with 9 out of 10 doing so. The program is efficient as each dollar spent on these apprentices who did this program earned an average of $1.47, making this an investment that gets out more than it puts in.
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