LANCASTER – At a visit to Tec Centro SW in Lancaster today, Lt. Gov. Austin Davis highlighted how Governor Josh Shapiro’s proposed budget plan invests in workforce development, technical training, and apprenticeships.
“The Governor and I want to make Pennsylvania a leader in innovation, job creation and economic development,” said Davis. “If we’re going to address the workforce shortages facing our communities, we must empower Pennsylvanians to pursue their dreams, no matter what they may be. That’s why the Shapiro-Davis budget invests more into apprenticeship programs, expands vo-tech and brings career and technical training back into the classroom, to give students that freedom and help prepare them for the future.”
The Shapiro-Davis budget proposes an increase of $23.8 million to build partnerships between career and technical education and industries, trades and entities that need highly skilled workers.
Tec Centro is a provider of bilingual education and skill training for those who are unemployed and under-employed, as well as families living in poverty. Tec Centro operates two workforce centers in Lancaster and one in Reading, and they are preparing to open a facility in Lebanon this summer, one in York later this year and one in Harrisburg in 2024.
“Governor Shapiro’s proposed budget increase in education-industry partnerships will build a critical information bridge between workers, educational institutions and industries: workers will know what skills they need to get the jobs they want, educational institutions will design programs that teach workers the in-demand skills they need to thrive, and businesses will be able to fill their talent pipeline with highly skilled workers,” state Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El said. “This is a smart and necessary investment in our people, our communities, and our industries that will pay dividends in the years to come. I want to thank the Lieutenant Governor for coming to visit Tec Centro, which trains over 1,200 workers in Lancaster alone, giving them and their families a shot at a better life.”
Lt. Gov. Austin Davis and state Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El tour Tec Centro, more photos/video available at PAcast.com