Shapiro Touts New Job Training Program In Philadelphia Visit

PHILADELPHIA — Gov. Josh Shapiro Wednesday in Philadelphia announced a new job training program aimed at creating thousands of job across the state.

Shapiro and Department of Labor & Industry Secretary Nancy A. Walker joined Steamfitters 420 Local in Philadelphia to highlight the new Commonwealth Workforce Transformation Program.

The program is a first-in-the-nation job training effort that provides workforce development grants to ensure companies, contractors, unions, and others who are working to build Pennsylvania’s infrastructure have the skilled workforce they need.

The program, created by Shapiro's executive order signed on Monday, will create new opportunities for Pennsylvania workers and help expand the state's workforce by providing grants of up to $40,000 for each new employee hired and trained in Pennsylvania for critical infrastructure projects, up to a maximum of $400,000 per contract or award for organizations doing work funded by President Biden's Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act or the Inflation Reduction Act, according to Shaprio's office.

Under the program, the state will reserve at least 3 percent of all funding it receives from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and Inflation Reduction Act to fund workforce development and on-the-job training, meaning that as much as $400 million could be used for workforce training in Pennsylvania over the next five years – the largest investment in workforce training in Pennsylvania history, supporting as many as 10,000 new jobs.

"My vision for Pennsylvania is one where everyone has the freedom to chart their own course and the opportunity to succeed – and thanks to the historic federal infrastructure funding championed by the Biden Administration, we have a tremendous opportunity to create good-paying jobs and build big things in this nation," Shapiro said. "I’ve heard from contractors and union leaders all across Pennsylvania, who’ve all told me how they’re struggling to find enough workers for these kinds of projects. That’s why I created this program – the first of its kind in the country – to invest up to $400 million of that federal infrastructure funding in workforce training and create 10,000 new infrastructure jobs in Pennsylvania. We are going to continue to be a strong partner with our labor unions to bring forth creative, innovative solutions in Pennsylvania that help grow our ranks."

The Department of Labor & Industry will manage the CWTP, which will support companies, contractors, unions, and others who want to do critical work on the Commonwealth’s infrastructure but need to find experienced workers or train new workers to get the projects done quickly, safely, and effectively.

Walker will appoint an Executive Director of the CWTP to administer the program.

"To build a well-trained workforce that supports Pennsylvania businesses and is prepared for jobs of the future, we need to find creative ways to reach those who want to work – and the Commonwealth Workforce Transformation Program invests in the hard-working people of Pennsylvania," Walker said. "This program will bring 10,000 new workers into Pennsylvania’s labor force and directly contribute to the completion of critical infrastructure projects. Under the leadership of Governor Shapiro, we will continue to build Pennsylvania – through good jobs and economic opportunity."

According to Shapiro's office, Pennsylvania currently faces a shortage of workers to complete critical infrastructure projects, creating a need to expand this workforce to rebuild the state's infrastructure and take advantage of the opportunity this federal funding presents.

The CWTP is also designed to empower and expand economic opportunities to Pennsylvanians who have too often been left out and left behind by encouraging new on-the-job training programs, supporting apprenticeships, promoting the hiring of unemployed people, the formerly incarcerated, and new entrants into the workforce, and rewarding those who maintain the highest workplace standards.

Pennsylvania workers and employers can find details on the CWTP, eligibility information, and other resources at online here.