Article Summary –
A member of Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro’s administration, Bill Trusky, visited the Steamfitters Technology Center, an innovative training hub in Harmony operated by Steamfitters Local Union No. 449.
The center trains apprentices for union jobs with benefits, supported by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry and the Allegheny County Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee, with programs offered free of charge aside from a $30 application fee.
Since taking office in January 2023, Governor Shapiro has significantly increased funding for vocational-technical education and workforce development, including a $30 million budget increase and a $90,000 grant to Steamfitters Local 449, aiming to create good-paying jobs and economic stability through skills-based hiring and training programs.
A representative from Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro’s administration visited one of the state’s innovative hubs for trade apprenticeships.
Department of Labor and Industry Executive Deputy Secretary Bill Trusky visited the Steamfitters Technology Center in Harmony, operated by Steamfitters Local Union No. 449, on Sept. 3.
Steamfitters Local 449, part of the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Pipefitting and Plumbing Industry, represents nearly 1,500 steamfitters in 15 western Pennsylvania counties.
The center prepares workers for “jobs with union benefits and a middle-class lifestyle,” as per a press release. It’s supported by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry’s Apprenticeship and Training Office and the Allegheny County Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee of Heating, Piping and Air Conditioning.
Dozens are trained in registered apprenticeships at the facility. These apprenticeships are free, except for a $30 application fee. According to Steamfitters Local 449’s website, applicants must complete several weeks of unpaid training. Successful trainees are then placed with local contractors, working for pay while continuing training one day every other week for five years.
“With increased funding and support for programs like Steamfitters Local Union No. 449, we are building a stronger, more skilled workforce,” Trusky said. “Our investment in these training programs ensures individuals can build successful careers and achieve economic stability without debt.”
The 2024-2025 Pennsylvania state budget includes a $30 million increase for vocational-technical and career education programming and equipment.
“Since taking office, Governor Shapiro has focused on creating opportunities for Pennsylvania workers to get good-paying jobs with skills-based hiring,” the governor’s office said. “These investments in career and technical training and on-the-job training build on last year’s investments.”
Shapiro, with bipartisan state legislators, has increased workforce development funding by $61 million since January 2023.
The administration awarded $90,000 in 2023 to Steamfitters Local 449 to improve Allegheny County registered apprenticeship programs.
Steamfitters Local 449 also offers after-school classes in plumbing and pipefitting at four high schools and free welding classes for nonunion members.
Learn more about the apprenticeship application at https://ua449.com/apprentice-application/.
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