That was a promise made Thursday by Nancy A. Walker, secretary of the state Department of Labor and Industry, during a tour of the Lycoming Career and Technology Center (LycoCTC) at the East Lycoming School District in Hughesville.

The facility with over 300 students enrolled in various programs presented Walker with a wooden Christmas tree crafted by construction trades students.

Walker looked into classrooms and shops of automotive and health careers, promising that the Shapiro administration would continue to invest in their programs that, she said, are producing the next generation workforce and providing the skilled labor force area businesses and industries are seeking.

Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry Secretary Nancy A. Walker joined local leaders to discuss state investments in career and technical education. Lycoming CTC Executive Director Nathan Minium, PA Labor & Industry Secretary Nancy A. Walker, State Rep. Joe Hamm, State Rep. Jamie Flick and Hughesville Councilwoman McKenna Long were in attendance. Additionally, Lycoming CTC Teacher Kerri Kime and her students were also in attendance.

Whether students here go directly into the workforce or continue in other educational opportunities before they enter their chosen career paths, they have a real opportunity for career advancement and family-sustaining wages by attending LycoCTC, Walker observed.

LycoCTC is, she added, at the forefront of workforce development.

This type of hands-on education is happening during a unique moment in time.

“We have had record levels of low unemployment in the past 12 months and we also had a record high number of jobs,” she said.

“So,” she added, “being able to meet the business demands for jobs today and into the future is really a challenge.”

“It really takes creativity and that is something that LycoCTC is really stepping up to do. And when you make sure you’re investing in communities you are keeping young people in those communities.

“You are making sure the businesses have the workers they need, both today and as they develop and grow. That really has been the hallmark of the Shapiro-Davis administration,” Walker said.

“Since we’ve come into office, we have been able to invest an additional $65 million in programs such as career and technology center programs, vocational technology programs and apprenticeship programs, which have really been so critical and instrumental,” Walker said.

Through the state Redevelopment Capital Assistance Program (RCAP) funding — administered by the governor’s Office of Budget — critical funding helps to expand programs that are working, she remarked, before touring the future sites of the diesel and welding instruction at the facility.

The administration has invested $20 million in programs such as this since they came in to be able to continue and expand their development, Walker said.

“I’m so proud to be here on behalf of this administration that is investing in these programs. I am so proud to be in this room with people who have made this kind of investment,” she said.

RACP, administered by the Office of the Budget, is a reimbursement grant program that supports essential design, acquisition and construction projects across the Commonwealth. The program funds projects with regional or multi-jurisdictional impact, promoting economic growth, creating jobs, increasing tax revenue and contributing to vibrant, resilient communities.

As part of the Shapiro Administration’s commitment to making government operate at the speed of business, the Budget Office updated and streamlined the RACP application process for the first time in nearly a decade, creating an easier-to-use website, reducing the number of sections in the applications and enabling applicants to access a new e-grants system.

Since it opened in 2006, LycoCTC has provided quality career technology education matching this with businesses, developing the students to succeed as they transition to career and educational opportunities, according to Nathan Minium, LycoCTC executive director.

Assisting with the funding were state Sen. Gene Yaw, R-Loyalsock Township; state Rep. Joe Hamm, R-Hepburn Township, and state Rep. Jamie Flick, R-South Williamsport.

LycoCTC is providing opportunities and continues to provide opportunities for young people and returning learners in the region. The students here may enroll in automotive, computer technology, construction, criminal justice, health careers, early childhood, and soon welding and diesel.

Participating school districts include: Benton Area School District, East Lycoming School District, Loyalsock Area School District, Montoursville Area School District, Muncy School District and Warrior Run School District.