PAsmart is expanding apprenticeships, from plumbing to early childhood education

Apprenticeships, which allow workers to earn money as they learn new skills, are part of Gov. Tom Wolf's PAsmart initiative.

Wolf says PAsmart initiative is preparing more workers with on-the-job training in a wide variety of good jobs, while also providing Pennsylvania businesses with a skilled workforce. So far, the initiative has increased the number of apprentices in Pennsylvania to more than 18,000.

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry, nine out of ten apprentices are employed after completing their apprenticeships, starting with a salary of $60,000 a year.

“Businesses are hiring, and many employees are retiring out of the workforce, creating strong demand for skilled workers in Pennsylvania,” said Wolf.

Wolf has secured $70 million for PAsmart over two years, including $40 million for science and technology education and $30 million for apprenticeships and job training programs.

“Apprenticeship programs are an effective way to train and retain workers because they create a more productive, diverse, and skilled workforce, and help reduce employee turnover,” said Wolf. “Apprentices are able to provide for their families by earning a good living while learning new skills.”

Apprenticeship opportunities are available in traditional industries such as machining, carpentry, HVAC, and plumbing, as well as non-traditional industries, including mental health services, human services, early childhood education, scientific research, and information technology.

In the first year of PAsmart, the Department of Labor & Industry awarded grants to 59 pre-apprenticeship and registered apprenticeship programs. PAsmart also invests in Pennsylvania’s Next Generation Industry Partnerships, which create collaboration among businesses to improve the training for their workforce.

Wolf says his goal is to increase the number of workers with training after high school from 47 percent to 60 percent by 2025.

For more information visit the Apprenticeship and Training Office at pa.gov/guides/working-training-pa.