Bizzarro announces $600,000 for apprenticeship certification
Investment to fund 32 educators in earn-as-you-learn pathway for region
Rep. Ryan Bizzarro June 3, 2025 | 8:57 AM
HARRISBURG, June 3 – More Pennsylvania students looking for a pathway into the workforce and training for in-demand careers will have more opportunities in the region following an investment to help fill teacher shortages, state Rep. Ryan Bizzarro announced.
The state will invest $600,000 in the region to clear the way for the addition of apprenticeship certification for 32 educators. The Department of Labor and Industry and Department of Education selected Keystone Community Education Council, which serves Erie and its surrounding counties, as one of the 17 organizations across the state to receive funding.
“This investment addresses two major concerns, adding dozens of career and technical educators at a time when we have a teacher shortage, while also creating more opportunities for Pennsylvania students and workers to receive the training they need to pursue in-demand careers,” said Bizzarro, who represents Fairview and Millcreek townships.
The state announced nearly $8 million investment to build and register customized apprenticeship programs for local needs. The Certified Teacher Registered Apprenticeship grant program supports earn-as-you-learn pathways for aspiring teachers, paraprofessionals and emergency-certified educators to earn full certification while gaining on-the-job experience.
The announcement continues Bizzarro’s effort to secure investments for local projects, including helping direct more than $4.7 million back to Erie County this year.