HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania’s transportation workforce training program has reached 168 active participants so far in 2026, up from 137 in 2023, as the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation expands financial assistance and gives contractors greater flexibility to train workers across multiple infrastructure projects.
The 23% increase follows changes to PennDOT’s On-the-Job Training (OJT) program that allow participants to complete required training hours on different construction projects rather than remaining assigned to a single job site.
The changes also expanded access to financial assistance for transportation, childcare, equipment and other employment-related expenses, addressing costs that can prevent workers from entering the construction industry.
PennDOT reported that 130 trainees have received those supportive services so far this year, compared with 60 in 2023. That represents an increase of approximately 117%, substantially outpacing overall enrollment growth.
The expansion is tied to the Commonwealth Workforce Transformation Program, established through a July 2023 executive order by Gov. Josh Shapiro to support workforce development on infrastructure projects.
The initiative uses federal funding authorized through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act. Expanded support services are funded through federal highway construction dollars eligible for workforce development.
PennDOT’s training program has operated since 1972 and is federally required to provide opportunities for women, minorities and economically disadvantaged workers in transportation construction.
Contractors must provide a specified number of training positions based on project size, with participants receiving training through 1,000 hours of work.
Previously, trainees were required to complete those hours on the same project. Under the revised rules, workers can accumulate qualifying hours across multiple projects, allowing them to continue training as construction schedules and staffing needs change.
The department also simplified the processes contractors use to request, obtain approval for and track training positions, while expanding the types and number of projects eligible for trainee reimbursement.
The revisions are intended to reduce administrative requirements for construction firms and make it easier to retain trainees when individual projects end or staffing assignments change.
Robert Latham, executive vice president of Associated Pennsylvania Constructors, said the industry supports the revised requirements.
“We are particularly pleased with the new flexibility to allow people to be trained on multiple projects, which should create even greater opportunities,” Latham said.
The financial assistance available through the program can cover transportation, required tools and equipment, childcare, examination and training fees, and work-related clothing.
PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll said the changes are intended to make the program more accessible to prospective workers while improving its operation for contractors.
“The department has modernized a great training program, making it work better for our contracting partners and, most importantly, removing more barriers for people who want to join this career field,” Carroll said.
The expansion comes as Pennsylvania directs federal infrastructure funding toward both construction projects and workforce development, linking training assistance to the labor needed to complete transportation improvements across the state.
More information about the program is available at https://youtu.be/5q0QQywG6XA.
