Gov. Shapiro spotlights expanding workforce at SMART Sheet Metal Workers Local 44

WILKES-BARRE — Before Allen J. “A.J.” Bonk introduced Gov. Josh Shapiro on Tuesday, he provided the perfect example of why the governor was in town.

Gov. Shapiro visited SMART Sheet Metal Workers Local 44 on North Sherman Street in Wilkes-Barre to highlight the investments in workforce development, job training, apprenticeship programs and vo-tech included in the bipartisan budget he signed into law this year.

Shapiro said the budget secured investments to help open doors of economic opportunity and give Pennsylvanians the freedom to chart their own course — investing in all paths to success.

A.J. Bonk took one of those paths to success.

“I joined Local 44 because I was looking for a stable career that would build upon the skills I had,” Bonk said. “This program gives local individuals access to the education, training and skills needed to thrive in the highly competitive HVAC and Mechanical Contracting business. The apprenticeship teaches young professionals how to fabricate, install and design all aspects of a HVAC system and more.”

Bonk, getting emotional, added, “Because of Local 44, my wonderful and loving spouse, Mariah, and I have been able to purchase our first home and receive great health care, and we can pursue more education and we can look forward to a secure retirement. I was taught the importance of a solid work ethic and Local 44 helped me realize that.”

Gov. Shapiro patted “Bonk” on the back and thanked him for his comments. Bonk was an apprentice at SMART Sheet Metal Workers Local 44.

“Folks like Bonk are why we do what we do,” Shapiro said. “Places like Local 44 provide the opportunities through apprenticeship programs that help forge a future of possibilities.”

In his first two budgets, Gov. Shapiro said he worked with Pennsylvania’s split legislature to secure an additional $61 million for career and technical education (CTE) and apprenticeships,

“And we have approved more than 55 new apprenticeship programs and enrolled nearly 10,000 new apprentices since I took office,” Shapiro said.

Warren Faust, President, NEPA Building and Construction Trades Council, and Bob Rushkowski, Training Coordinator, SMART Sheet Metal Workers Local 44, said thanks to a grant from the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), Local 44 is in the process of upgrading its training center to provide state-of-the-art technology and training for apprentices in high-need fields like HVAC, metal roofing, kitchen exhaust hoods and air balancing.

The use of certified apprenticeship programs pays dividends both today and long into the future,” Faust said. “These programs provide access to careers for young men and women in our local communities, enabling them to raise families, buy homes, and become valuable taxpaying assets. Together, we can train tomorrow’s workforce today, ensuring future success stories like the ones we are hearing about today.”

Rushkowski said that these programs are not just about getting a job — they are about building a career and contributing to a sustainable future.

“Creating a state-of-the-art training center will help fill a vital need in the industry by ensuring that our apprentices receive top-notch, hands-on training,” said Rushkowski. “I am excited to invest in the young men and women from our area that are the future of this local.”

They said SMART currently has 32 active apprentices, all of whom are benefiting from the earn-as-you-learn model that the U.S. Department of Labor says puts them on track to earn an estimated $300,000 more over their careers compared to workers who don’t graduate from an apprenticeship program.

“I’m proud of the historic investments we’ve made in job training, apprenticeship programs, and career and technical education because these initiatives create pathways to economic opportunity and give Pennsylvanians the freedom to chart their own course,” Shapiro said.

Sen. Marty Flynn, D-Scranton, said the budget not only addresses immediate needs, but also invests in long-term economic growth.

“By focusing on education, health care, and workforce development, we are laying the groundwork for a prosperous future for all Pennsylvanians,” Flynn said.

Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski, D-Wilkes-Barre, this investment addresses career and tech education, apprenticeship programs for much-needed health care workers, and student teachers.

The Governor’s statement, ‘Get Stuff Done,’ is embodied in his plan to do just that,” Pashinski said.

Rep. Jim Haddock, D-Pittston Township, said, “We have been able to do some great things under the Governor’s leadership, and one of the projects we were steadfast about is the CTE program and our trade schools.”

The 2024-25 budget makes investments in all paths to success, from vo-tech and apprenticeship programs to continuing education:

• Expanding CTE and Vo-Tech: The 2024-25 budget includes a $30 million increase for Career and Technical Education (CTE) programming and equipment and continues $7 million in support of dual enrollment.

• Registered Apprenticeships: To help fill much needed health care positions across the Commonwealth, this budget includes $2 million in first-time funding for nursing apprenticeships.

• Student Teacher Stipends: After Gov. Shapiro last year signed into law Act 33 establishing the $10 million Educator Pipeline Support Grant Program, which provides up to $15,000 to eligible student teachers in Pennsylvania, the budget includes a $10 million increase — double last year’s investment — to fund student teacher stipends, helping to address the teacher shortage in Pennsylvania.

• UC Staffing: The budget led to the hiring of more than 380 additional Unemployment Compensation interviewers to staff service centers and answer calls, this budget includes $68 million from the Service Improvement and Infrastructure Fund (SIIF) to continue providing efficient, timely, and helpful customer service.