HARRISBURG, PA — The tranquil roads of Pennsylvania have been buzzing with optimism as Secretary Nancy A. Walker, the head of Pennsylvania’s Department of Labor & Industry (L&I), embarked on a three-day tour last week. The purpose of her journey: to showcase the Shapiro Administration’s robust drive towards creating practical economic opportunities for Pennsylvanians from all walks of life. Echoing this commitment, First Lady Lori Shapiro joined Secretary Walker in Newtown, highlighting the role of innovative employment opportunities for people with significant disabilities.
Speaking at Montgomery County Community College, Secretary Walker and her team underscored the administration’s genuine commitment to skills-based hiring. A concept that views all career paths with respect, irrespective of the need for a college degree. This commitment was enacted by Governor Josh Shapiro on his first day in office when he declared that 92% of state government jobs would no longer require a four-year college degree. This groundbreaking move is part of a larger investment in workforce development by the administration.
“The workforce challenges we face today are significant, but they are not insurmountable. I am optimistic about the future for Pennsylvania workers and the employers who depend on us. The time to invest in that future is now,” Secretary Walker prophesied.
The proposed 2024-25 budget continues to invest in career and technical education, apprenticeship programs, and on-the-job training. Governor Shapiro’s proposal includes a $2.4 million increase in investment in Career and Technical Education, $2.2 million towards Industry Partnerships, a $2 million digital one-stop-shop for career pathways, and a further $2 million to help businesses transition to skills-based hiring practices. Alongside this, an additional 12 investigators will be added to the Bureau of Labor Law Compliance to protect workers and employers. To top it off, a $500,000 investment is set to revamp the Military Occupational Crosswalk resource for military families with a user-friendly web portal.
Pennsylvania is also on the cusp of something fantastic with the Commonwealth Workforce Transformation Program (CWTP), a first-in-the-nation workforce training program. This program is earmarked to utilize $400 million in federal funding for on-the-job training to create thousands of new jobs across the state. Workforce development projects, from road and bridge repairs to modernizing Pennsylvania’s energy, water, and sewer infrastructure, will be given up to $40,000 for each new worker they train.
Secretary Walker and First Lady Shapiro showcased the Shapiro Administration’s dedication to workforce development opportunities for individuals with disabilities during their visit to Community Options’ Daily Plan It in Newtown. The Daily Plan It, an innovative project by national nonprofit Community Options, offers job training and integrated employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
“Community Options’ dedication to supporting individuals with disabilities is inspiring,” Secretary Walker said. “It was a pleasure to join First Lady Shapiro at the Daily Plan It to learn more about the good work being done to provide job opportunities for individuals with disabilities.”
Ultimately, this tour was more than a show of commitment. It was an expression of an ideology – an ideology that believes in the potential of every resident of Pennsylvania, irrespective of their educational level or personal challenges. With these bold steps, the Shapiro Administration is not just changing the face of the workforce in the Commonwealth; it’s reshaping Pennsylvania’s future.
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