DOYLESTOWN, PA — Pennsylvania officials highlighted the growing role of apprenticeships in the state’s workforce strategy Monday, recognizing top programs and participants during an annual awards ceremony tied to expanded state investment.
What This Means for You
- Apprenticeships offer paid, hands-on training for in-demand careers
- State funding for these programs has increased significantly in recent years
- More opportunities are being created for workers to enter skilled trades
The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry honored winners of its Registered Apprenticeship and Pre-Apprenticeship Awards during an event held as part of National Apprenticeship Week.
Officials said the programs are a central component of the state’s workforce development efforts, aimed at connecting residents with stable, well-paying jobs.
Growing Investment and Participation
State officials reported that funding for career and technical education and apprenticeship programs has increased by nearly 50 percent in recent years, rising from $118 million to $183 million.
Governor Josh Shapiro’s proposed 2026–27 budget includes an additional $18 million for these programs.
Since the start of the administration, more than 41,500 Pennsylvanians have participated in apprenticeship or pre-apprenticeship programs, according to the department.
Expansion of Programs
The number of available programs has also grown significantly.
Pennsylvania has added 249 new registered apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs and enrolled more than 26,800 new apprentices during the current administration.
Officials said the programs allow participants to “earn while they learn,” combining paid work experience with job training.
“Apprenticeships continue to prove themselves as one of the most effective workforce development strategies we have,” said Labor & Industry Secretary Nancy A. Walker.
Award Winners Recognized
The awards recognized individuals, organizations, and partnerships across the state for their contributions to apprenticeship programs.
Among the winners:
- Lehigh Valley Electricians IBEW 375 and the Central PA Chapter of Independent Electrical Contractors were recognized as outstanding apprenticeship sponsors
- Kristina Mulhern, a registered behavior technician with Bucks County Intermediate Unit, received an apprentice achievement award
- Pennsylvania College of Technology was honored for its pre-apprenticeship program focused on workforce reentry
- Kira Voichenko was recognized for pre-apprentice achievement
- Christian Zimmerman received an award for advocacy in expanding apprenticeship programs
Winners were selected through a nomination process, with finalists chosen by a committee and voted on by the public.
Role of Apprenticeship Office
The department’s Apprenticeship and Training Office oversees program expansion and compliance statewide.
Officials said the office has played a key role in increasing participation and supporting new programs aligned with industry needs.
Next Steps
State officials said they plan to continue expanding apprenticeship opportunities as part of a broader effort to strengthen Pennsylvania’s workforce and meet employer demand for skilled labor.
National Apprenticeship Week continues through May 2, highlighting programs across the country that connect workers with career training and employment pathways.
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