Photo courtesy of Commonwealth Media Services
Monaca, PA – Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis joined Representative Robert Matzie and Congressman Chris Deluzio on Thursday at the Beaver County Career & Technology Center (BCCTC) to meet with students and staff, tour the center, and talk about how the Shapiro-Davis Administration’s investments in workforce development — including career and technical education (CTE), apprenticeship programs, and job training — are giving Pennsylvanians the freedom to chart their own course.
The 2024-25 budget provides a $30 million increase for career and technical education (CTE) and equipment, along with an additional $2 million for the first time ever for nursing apprenticeships. The Shapiro-Davis Administration is focused on investing in all paths to success for students – from college and continuing education to vo-tech and apprenticeship programs – opening the doors of economic opportunity and building on critical investments made last year. Governor Shapiro and Lieutenant Governor Davis have worked with a bipartisan group of legislators to increase funding for workforce development by $61 million in their first two years in office – a more than 50 percent increase.
“Since day one, I have been committed to delivering results for the people of Pennsylvania by addressing our most pressing challenges and bringing together Democrats and Republicans to get stuff done,” said Governor Shapiro. “I’m proud of the historic investments we’ve made in job training, apprenticeship programs, and career and technical education, as these initiatives pave the way to economic opportunity and empower Pennsylvanians to shape their own futures. My Administration values skills and experience, recognizing that everyone’s path is different, and ensuring that every Pennsylvanian has the opportunity to succeed.”
“Every Pennsylvanian should have the freedom to chart their own course and achieve their dreams, whether they live in Beaver or Bucks County, whether they want to attend college, start their own business, or pursue an apprenticeship,” said Lieutenant Governor Davis. “Over the past two years, I’ve visited career and technical schools in Altoona, Aston and today in Monaca, and I’ve heard over and over again how much these programs are in demand. That’s why the Shapiro-Davis Administration has invested $61 million in the last two state budgets for apprenticeships, career and technical education and workforce development. The bipartisan state budget showed that we can come together to get stuff done for the good people of Pennsylvania.
BCCTC provides 17 different training programs – from advanced manufacturing and healthcare to design and information technology – to more than 800 students in 11th and 12th grades from 14 school districts in the region. BCCTC serves as an extension to the learning that students receive in their high school classes – preparing them for careers in automotive technology, cosmetology, construction and building trades, culinary arts, graphic arts, health occupations, machine tool technology, veterinary technician, and more.
Karleigh Matscherz is a full-time student at BCCTC studying for a career in cosmetology and joined the Governor for his tour of their campus.
“The staff at the BCCTC prioritize our growth, treating us as young adults on our chosen pathways. They instill values of respect and responsibility while providing the resources we need for successful futures,” said Matscherz. “By attending the BCCTC, we gain valuable real-world experience without the burden of heavy student debt. I stand here today on behalf of my fellow students to express our love for this school, the dedicated staff, and the friendships we’ve built during our time here.”
BCCTC has seen increased enrollment in recent years, with more students looking to enroll than they can often accommodate. BCCTC receives grant funding for equipment through the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) and funding from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) for mental health and school safety resources.
“We believe that workforce development leads to economic development, and we are committed to giving our students the tools to build their futures. Our center is not a dead end, but a steppingstone – a place where all types of learners can find a career pathway that suits them best,” said Laura DelVecchio, Administrative Director at BCCTC. “Together, with leaders like Governor Shapiro, we will continue to empower the next generation to succeed and thrive in an ever-evolving economy.”
“A skilled carpenter not only knows how to shape wood, but also how to shape the mind to solve problems. In carpentry, patience and precision are the greatest tools. This is why career and technical education (CTE) is so important — it equips students with practical skills and real-world experience, preparing them for meaningful careers and lifelong learning. CTE isn’t just about building structures — it’s about building futures,” said David Liptak, Carpentry Instructor at BCCTC.
Since day one, the Shapiro-Davis Administration has been focused on creating real opportunity for hardworking Pennsylvania workers to obtain good-paying jobs. The Shapiro-Davis Administration has approved over 50 new apprenticeship programs — with 15,935 registered apprentices currently active — and enrolled nearly 10,000 new apprentices since taking office.
The Department of Labor & Industry’s Apprenticeship and Training Office (ATO) also currently supports 877 unduplicated registered apprenticeship program sponsors and 1,556 occupation-specific programs across the Commonwealth. Additionally, there are 121 registered pre-apprenticeship programs and 1,166 pre-apprentices currently active.
“We all have big dreams for Western PA, and we know that to make those dreams come true, we’ve got to have the well-trained workforce to get stuff done,” said Congressman Chris Deluzio. “Governor Shapiro’s vision for the Commonwealth, much like mine, focuses on creating good jobs, boosting our local economy, and investing in the people who do the hard work. With partnership from leaders on the state, local, and federal level, we can keep creating real opportunities for working people.”
“We put a lot more money into the budget this year to enhance education and enhance programs,” said Senator Elder Vogel. “Here in Beaver County, the CTC has been a great school for many, many years. It’s expanding — classes are full. They’re busting at the seams here, because kids know this is a pathway to come and get a good education without having to go to a four-year college. And we need to do a bit more work here, because the school needs to expand.”
“Our efforts have brought about the largest investment in workforce development since I can remember. I will continue to do everything in my power to help the Governor to expand upon these initiatives,” said Representative Robert Matzie. “We already know that Pennsylvania, and specifically Beaver County, have the best workers in the world. Now we’re helping to provide a path so that they may continue to thrive and prove it now and into the future.”
The 2024-25 bipartisan budget makes investments in all paths to success, from vo-tech and apprenticeship programs to continuing education:
- Expanding CTE and Vo-Tech: Building on critical investments made last year, 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 healthcare positions across the Commonwealth, this budget includes $2 million in first-time funding for nursing apprenticeships.
- Student Teacher Stipends: After Governor 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, this budget includes a $10 million increase – double last year’s investment – to fund student teacher stipends, helping to address the teacher shortage in Pennsylvania.