Pennsylvania L&I Deputy Secretary Cipriani Continues 'Jobs that Pay' Tour by Highlighting Apprenticeships at Penn United Technologies

CABOT, Pa., July 7, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) Deputy Secretary Eileen Cipriani today continued the Wolf Administration's 'Jobs that Pay' tour at Penn United Technologies L.I.G.H.T. (Learning Institute for the Growth of High Technology) Center's apprenticeship training facilities in Butler County. Cipriani discussed L&I's Apprentice Training Office (ATO) and Governor Tom Wolf's initiatives that invest in 21st century manufacturing, workforce development, and training programs.

"Apprenticeship programs provide job seekers with valuable training and hands-on experience and create a pool of highly-skilled, qualified talent for employers," said Deputy Secretary Cipriani. "This program at Penn United Technologies is an excellent example of how apprenticeships benefit the local economy and create family-sustaining jobs."

Penn United Technologies, Inc. is a high precision manufacturing solutions provider with nine different apprenticeship programs registered with the ATO. The training programs range in length from one to five years and include precision machinist, plating technician, machine operator, and toolmaker. The company's L.I.G.H.T. Center is used to train apprentices, conduct customer and community trainings, and for pre-apprenticeship training programs.

"Penn United Technologies is dedicated to providing world-class manufacturing training for our employees, training approximately 400 apprentices since the program's inception in 1973," said the company's training coordinator Scott Covert. "The apprenticeship program is an appealing recruiting and retention tool, setting the apprentices on a pay and skill track based on their ability, while also providing them with valuable certifications from the state."

Since the Wolf Administration established the ATO last year, the office, which is responsible for providing outreach, education, and technical support to current and prospective apprenticeship program sponsors and apprentices, has added 1,714 new apprentices and 66 new registered apprenticeship occupations statewide. 

Apprenticeship programs provide employer-driven training to create a more productive, diverse, highly-skilled workforce for employers and help reduce employee turnover. Job seekers gain increased skills, and a nationally-recognized credential to support future career advancement and increased wages.

For more information on the Apprenticeship and Training Office, visit ATO. Information is also available on the L&I website at www.dli.pa.gov or by following us on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

MEDIA CONTACT: Lindsay Bracale, 717-787-7530 or [email protected]

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry