ALTOONA – Lt. Gov. Austin Davis wants even more Pennsylvania students to have the opportunity to chart their own course with the option to pursue career and technical training at facilities like the Greater Altoona Career & Technology Center, which Davis visited today.
“If we’re going to address the workforce shortages facing Pennsylvania communities, we need to create pipelines of talent in these key industries, and we need to empower young people to pursue their dreams, not matter what they may be,” said Davis. “That’s why the Shapiro-Davis budget invests more into apprenticeship programs, expands vo-tech and brings career and technical training back into the classroom, to give students that freedom and help prepare them for the future.”
The Shapiro-Davis budget proposes an increase of $23.8 million to build partnerships between career and technical education and industries, trades and entities that need highly skilled workers.
“Rural Pennsylvania is facing a shortage of health care workers, like dental assistants, pharmacy technicians and licensed practical nurses, so it’s incredibly important that we are able to train students in these careers at the Greater Altoona Career and Technology Center,” said Commissioner Laura Burke. “Putting more resources into career and technical education is a common-sense investment in making our economy stronger, our schools better and our families healthier.”
“We appreciate how the Shapiro-Davis Administration is investing in workforce development, technical training and apprenticeships, while protecting workers’ rights and the union way of life,” said Blair-Bedford Central Labor Council President Bob Kutz.
Lt. Gov. Austin Davis and Greater Altoona Career & Technology Center Executive Director Eric Palmer, more photos/video available at PAcast.com
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