WILLIAMSPORT, PA – Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) Secretary Nancy A. Walker visited the Pennsylvania College of Technology (PCT) Wednesday to see firsthand how investments under the Shapiro Administration have led to the creation of a bus maintenance technician apprenticeship, and highlight the $12.5 million investment in apprenticeship training programs as part of Governor Josh Shapiro’s 2025-26 state budget.
Strategic investments like this enable Pennsylvania to create and expand more apprenticeships, including in emerging sectors like transportation. PCT is home to a new bus maintenance technician registered apprenticeship thanks to a $600,000 investment from the Administration, with 14 apprentices currently enrolled.
“Apprenticeships are one of the most effective ways to prepare Pennsylvanians for in-demand careers, and because Governor Shapiro continues to prioritize investments in this space, we’re able to expand these opportunities in emerging and critical sectors like transportation,” said Secretary Walker. “PCT’s bus maintenance technician apprenticeship gives workers the chance to earn while they learn, provides employers with a highly skilled pipeline of talent, and helps ensure our transportation systems are safe, reliable, and continue to drive our communities forward.”
Strengthening Pennsylvania’s workforce through targeted investments and initiatives continues to be a top a priority for Governor Shapiro. The 2025-26 budget delivers $183 million in funding for career and technical education (CTE) and registered apprenticeships — a more than 50 percent increase compared to when the Governor first took office.
Additional workforce development investments made in the budget include $3.5 million for the Schools-to-Work Program and $2.8 million for Industry Partnerships.
During her visit to PCT, Secretary Walker was joined by Senator Gene Yaw (R-23).
“Penn College is setting the standard for how higher education can directly meet the workforce needs of its community through strong apprenticeship programs and hands-on training,” said Senator Yaw. “These programs connect students with real-world experience, support local employers and create clear pathways to good-paying, in-demand careers right here in Pennsylvania. We were pleased to welcome Secretary Walker to showcase the outstanding working being done here.”
In addition to demonstrations of the hands-on training provided during the bus maintenance technician program, Secretary Walker also toured PCT’s Dunham Children’s Learning Center, which serves students, faculty, and staff by providing high-quality, on-campus care and education for their children while parents work or attend classes. PCT is a nationally recognized, comprehensive provider of apprenticeship programs and is committed to preparing its students for high-demand careers.
"This apprenticeship represents a collaborative investment in developing skilled, homegrown technicians who can support safer, more reliable public transportation,” said Christopher S. Weaver, PCT Assistant Professor of Diesel Equipment Technology. “It strengthens the workforce, supports the community and creates long-term career opportunities for participants."
Established in 2016, L&I's Apprenticeship and Training Office (ATO) is responsible for guiding and promoting the expansion and compliance of all registered apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs across the Commonwealth. Since Governor Shapiro took office, the ATO has supported the creation of 206 new registered apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs and enrolled more than 17,380 new apprentices.
For more information on the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry, please visit the website or follow L&I on Instagram, Facebook, X, and LinkedIn.
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