September 10, 2024 - Wilkes-Barre, PA
Governor Josh Shapiro visited SMART Sheet Metal Workers Local 44 in Luzerne County to highlight how investments in workforce development, job training, apprenticeship programs, and vo-tech included in the bipartisan budget he signed into law this year are giving Pennsylvanians the freedom to chart their own course and opportunity to succeed.Thanks to a grant from the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), Local 44 is in the process of upgrading its training center to provide state-of-the-art technology and training for apprentices in high-need fields like HVAC, metal roofing, kitchen exhaust hoods, and air balancing.SMART currently has 32 active apprentices, all of whom are benefitting from the earn-as-you-learn model that the U.S. Department of Labor says puts them on track to earn an estimated $300,000 more over their careers compared to workers who don't graduate from an apprenticeship program."I am committed to delivering results for the good people of Pennsylvania - tackling our most urgent challenges and bringing Democrats and Republicans together to get things done," said Governor Shapiro. "I'm proud of the historic investments we've made in job training, apprenticeship programs, and career and technical education because these initiatives create pathways to economic opportunity and give Pennsylvanians the freedom to chart their own course. My Administration values skills and experience, recognizing that everyone's journey is unique, and ensuring that every Pennsylvanian has the chance to succeed." Speakers Include: Governor Josh ShapiroWarren Faust, President, NEPA Building and Construction Trades CouncilBob Rushkowski, Training Coordinator, SMART Sheet Metal Workers Local 44AJ Bonk, Apprentice, SMART Sheet Metal Workers Local 44Representative Jim HaddockRepresentative Eddie Day PashinskiSenator Marty Flynn
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