Governor Josh Shapiro, accompanied by Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary Rick Siger, announced a $3 million Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) grant to expand the Steamfitters Local Union 420 training center in Philadelphia, aiming to boost apprenticeship capacity for in‑demand jobs.
“You’ll see many paths to success — and here in Pennsylvania, we respect and invest in all of them,” Governor Shapiro said. “By investing in apprenticeships like the ones here at Steamfitters Local 420, we’re training Pennsylvanians for the jobs that fuel our economic growth and position our Commonwealth to compete and win for decades to reach.”
The modern grant joins a $5 million RACP award granted in November 2024, bringing total Commonwealth support to $8 million toward a $17.5 million expansion that will add classrooms, a larger service‑training shop, a second‑level mechanical equipment space, and upgrades to the building’s exterior, Union Hall and administrative offices.
Secretary Siger emphasized the grant’s impact: “RACP is a powerful tool that allows us to facilitate finance projects of significant importance in communities across Pennsylvania. This $3 million dollar grant is going to be a force multiplier for local workers and businesses.”
Steamfitters Local Union 420, chartered in 1903, represents 4,900 members and 425 apprentices across ten southeastern counties and offers two five‑year apprenticeship programs—Steamfitters and Mechanical Equipment.
Business Manager Jim Snell noted, “For more than 120 years, Steamfitters Local 420 has trained the best workers in the region. This additional $3 million investment from Governor Shapiro will allow us to triple apprenticeship enrollment and create more opportunity for Pennsylvanians while strengthening our economy.”
Apprentice Aliza Goldstein added, “I really wish I had known earlier about these opportunities… Programs like this make it possible for more Pennsylvanians to train for in‑demand jobs, build careers, and help grow our economy.”
Building on a Record of Workforce Development and Economic Growth
Since taking office, Governor Shapiro has pursued a strategy that cuts red tape, streamlines permitting and launches the Commonwealth’s first comprehensive economic‑development plan in nearly two decades, targeting life sciences, agriculture, energy, manufacturing and robotics.
These policies have helped secure nearly $39 billion in new private‑sector investment and create more than 21,500 jobs, including Amazon’s $20 billion AI and cloud‑computing campus plan—the largest private‑sector investment in Pennsylvania history—and Eli Lilly’s $3.5 billion drug‑manufacturing expansion in Lehigh County.
The Shapiro Administration has also expanded apprenticeship access statewide:
- Since January 2023, 231 new apprenticeship and pre‑apprenticeship programs have been registered, enrolling 17,947 apprentices; 39,475 Pennsylvanians have participated in such programs during the administration.
- Funding for vocational‑technical (vo‑tech), career‑technical education (CTE) and apprenticeships has risen by nearly $65 million—a 50 percent increase—continuing into the FY 2025‑26 budget.
- More than 3,000 students are currently enrolled in CTE programs.
Additional investments include Manufacturing PA Training‑to‑Career grants, Schools‑to‑Work grants and Industry Partnerships, while eliminating four‑year degree requirements for 92 percent of state jobs.
Investing in the Future Workforce
Governor Shapiro’s 2026‑27 budget proposal builds on this momentum with several earmarked allocations:
- $18 million to expand vo‑tech, CTE and apprenticeship programs.
- $7 million for Schools‑to‑Work pathways, doubling its funding.
- $12.5 million dedicated to WEDnetPA, targeting training for more than 1.3 million workers.
- $3.5 million increase for Industry Partnership grants, more than doubling total funding.
- An additional $10 million for the PA First Program, bringing total funding for job retention and capital investment to $38 million.
These resources reinforce the administration’s commitment to making high‑quality job training and apprenticeship opportunities available to Pennsylvanians of all backgrounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the $3 million RACP grant announced by Governor Shapiro?
The grant is intended to fund the expansion of Steamfitters Local Union 420’s training center, adding classrooms, a larger service‑training shop, a second‑level mechanical equipment space, and exterior improvements to increase apprenticeship capacity.
How many apprentices does Steamfitters Local Union 420 currently have, and what programs do they offer?
Steamfitters Local Union 420 has 425 apprentices and offers two five‑year apprenticeship programs: a Steamfitters Apprenticeship and a Mechanical Equipment Apprenticeship.
How has funding for vocational and apprenticeship programs changed since Governor Shapiro took office?
Funding for vo‑tech, CTE and apprenticeships has increased by nearly $65 million—a 50 percent rise—bringing total annual investment to about $200 million under the proposed 2026‑27 budget.
How do you suppose these investments will shape Pennsylvania’s workforce in the coming years?
