Shapiro, state labor and industry deputy visit Steamfitters in Jackson Township
Gov. Josh Shapiro and Bill Trusky, state labor and industry deputy secretary, visited the Steamfitters Local 449 in Jackson Township on Monday, Sept. 2, to promote the state’s investment in workforce development and apprenticeship programs.
The state’s 2024-25 budget, signed by Shapiro on July 11, includes a $30 million increase for vocational/technical programming like that offered at the Steamfitters center, which offers training programs in heating, piping, air conditioning and other industries.
In all, the new budget includes $10 million for student-teacher stipends, $7 million for dual-enrollment opportunities which allow high school students to take advanced courses for college credit, and $2 million in first-time state funding for nursing apprenticeships.
The Steamfitters directly benefited from the Shapiro administration last year when they received a $90,000 grant for the Allegheny County Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee program.
Shapiro visited the hall after taking part in the Labor Day parade in Pittsburgh with members of the Steamfitters Local.
“Today’s visit underscores the Shapiro administration’s commitment to empowering Pennsylvanians through robust investment in career and technical education and registered apprenticeships,” Trusky said during the visit. “With the significant increase in funding and support for programs like Steamfitters Local Union No. 449, we are paving the way for a stronger, more skilled workforce.”
“The Steamfitters are proud members of the Pittsburgh Regional Building Trades, and nobody trains people better than the Building Trades,” said Ken Broadbent, Steamfitters 449 business manager. “We excel at training individuals in the skills needed to achieve and sustain a middle-class way of life. Our apprentices and pre-apprentices can embark on a career that provides lasting skills and a stable income.”
