Lehigh Times

Gov. Tom Wolf visited the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 163 where he celebrated the “earn-while-you-learn” apprenticeship program, as well as new funding totaling $297,000 to train apprentices.

According to a September 21 release by Wolf’s office, the funds for the IBEW Local 163 Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee will be used to train 30 apprentices in the northeast part of Pennsylvania. Wolf has made it a priority during his eight years in office to support apprenticeship programs in trades like these.

“Skilled trade workers are vital to Pennsylvania’s economy,” Gov. Wolf said. “Investing in apprenticeship programs, where participants can earn a wage while learning a valuable new skill, is one way we can ensure there is a strong pipeline of new talent for these key industries.”

The funding is through the Pennsylvania Pre-Apprentice and Apprenticeship Grant Program, and the apprentices come from Bradford, Luzerne, Sullivan and Wyoming counties. Their training will lead to them becoming “Qualified Electrical Workers” in a five-year program. This includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and another 900 classroom hours, the release said. 

Apprentices earn $13 to $27 per hour, as well as benefits. Qualified Electrical Worker wiremen usually earn at least $37 per hour after completing the program, according to the release.

During Gov. Wolf’s time in office, more than $13.3 million has been invested through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Pre-Apprentice and Apprenticeship Grant Program, according to the release. This has led to the support of 85 pre-apprentice and apprenticeship programs.

“The demand for Qualified Electrical Workers in our four-county area is growing,” Training Director John Nadolny said. “With support from DCED, our program will increase enrollment to meet the needs of local employers while also preparing individuals with a high school diploma or GED (General Educational Diploma) to earn a living wage. Beginning next year, apprentices will also have access to our new Advanced Technology Center where they can gain skills to work in green industries, such as solar and electrical vehicles.”