Keystone Today

On August 26, Gov. Tom Wolf announced a $297,000 investment that would increase plumber and pipefitter apprenticeships across the commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

According to a release by Wolf’s office, the new funding will go to Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 354 to meet a growing demand for these workers in 14 counties including Bedford, Blair, Cambria, Cameron, Clearfield, Elk, Fayette, Huntingdon, Indiana, Jefferson, Somerset, Westmoreland and parts of Green and Washington counties.

“Supporting Local 354’s apprenticeship program will help develop talented workers for in-demand careers in the commonwealth,” said Wolf. “Apprenticeship programs like this one allow Pennsylvanians to earn while learning the skills they need to get a secure, good-paying job. We are proud to have supported many of these programs that benefit workers and businesses alike.”

The funding is through the Pre-Apprenticeship and Apprenticeship Grant Program and will allow Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 354 to continue its five year apprenticeship program. The apprentices receive on-the-job training while being supervised by Journeymen. They are trained in pipefitting, plumbing welding, and HVAC.

Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 354 was created in 1972. It represents around 600 Journeymen and apprentices.

“Local 354’s apprenticeship program helps bridge the gap and provides the workforce with qualified and well-trained employees,” said Tim Custer, business manager of Local 354. “We are so pleased to have received this funding.”

Wolf has invested $28 million in apprenticeships through the Department of Labor and Industry’s Apprenticeship and Training Office since 2018. He made a promise when he entered office to create well-paying jobs, and this is one of his endeavors. Pennsylvanian graduate apprentices make an average wage of $70,000 and potentially could make $300,000 more than other workers during their careers.

Wolf has also invested in $11.7 million through the Department of Community and Economic Development Pre-Apprenticeship and Apprenticeship Grant program.