Pennsylvania L&I Debuts $2.5 Million “Schools-to-Work” Program

The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry recently announced the allocation of around $2.5 million in funds towards the Schools-to-Work program that will work towards building and growing the partnerships between schools and employers in order to build a better workforce future. The Department of L&I hopes that this new initiative will drive more career pathways for the state's young students as well as help eliminate current labor shortages.

Despite the wide-ranging impacts of the global pandemic, Pennsylvania has continued to forge new paths in workforce development with the goal of supporting the business community by building a pipeline of skilled workers.

Today, workers have immense power and leverage, so what better time to invest in the Pennsylvanians who might have not yet joined the workforce? We encourage workforce development boards, secondary schools, community colleges, trade schools, and others to apply.”

Jennifer Berrier, Pennsylvania Secretary of Department of Labor & Industry

In order to be an eligible applicant, one must first be registered in a pre-apprenticeship program or be connected to a registered apprenticeship through the Department of L&I. To become an applicant program sponsor the sponsor must first be partnered with at least one school in a local school district, charter school, intermediate unit, or career technical school.

The program grants will help to create hands-on learning opportunities for students including apprenticeship programs, internships, and workplace visits helping to bridge the labor gaps the state is currently facing. The new funds will also help participants work to earn industry-recognized certifications and skills that can also be applied as college credits helping each apprentice start on a solid career path to full-time employment.