Pennsylvania Labor & Industry Secretary Kathy Manderino Gives Remarks at AFL-CIO Apprenticeship Accelerator

PITTSBURGH, June 20, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, Department of Labor & Industry Secretary Kathy Manderino gave remarks at the AFL-CIO Apprenticeship Accelerator Meeting in Pittsburgh to highlight the benefits of registered apprenticeship programs. She was joined by Office of Apprenticeship and Training Director Eric Ramsay, and Ohio State Apprenticeship Council Executive Administrator Patrick Reardon. 

The meeting, sponsored by the AFL-CIO Working for American Institute, allowed employers, prospective apprenticeship sponsors and manufacturing industry stakeholders the opportunity to discuss the benefits of developing registered apprenticeship programs that meet present and future workforce needs. Participants included industrial state labor unions, state and federal labor agencies, training providers and workforce and development advocacy groups.

"Collaboration within government agencies and stakeholders is essential when creating new opportunities and pathways for our citizens to get jobs that pay well and sustain them and their families," said Secretary Manderino. "These connections with other agencies will help the office leverage its resources and expand the footprint of registered apprenticeships across the commonwealth."

The department's Office of Apprenticeship and Training, created in 2016, works to expand registered apprenticeships, educate the public about the benefits of registered apprenticeships, and to expand the participation of non-traditional businesses and under-represented participants in registered apprenticeships. Since its inception last year, the Office of Apprenticeship and Training has added 1,714 new apprentices and 66 new registered apprenticeship occupations statewide.

Secretary Manderino also gave comments on the 2017-18 state budget and the extensive cuts that House Bill 218 proposes.

"Cuts to program funding and the General Operations fund will inevitably mean cuts to important services the department provides, that work to get Pennsylvania citizens in good paying, family sustaining jobs," said Sec. Manderino. "Governor Wolf's 2017-18 proposed budget continues to invest in 21st century manufacturing, workforce development, and training programs while also implementing new safeguards to ensure taxpayer dollars for economic development projects are spent appropriately and intended outcomes are met."

 MEDIA CONTACT: Lindsay Bracale, L&I, 717-787-7530

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry