Pennsylvania is investing in the next generation of highway workers with a new $12 million grant program designed to help schools expand training for careers in transportation construction.

The Pennsylvania Departments of Transportation (PennDOT) and Education (PDE) announced that educational institutions can begin applying for the competitive grants starting July 7.

Applications will be accepted through Sept. 1.

The program will help schools create or expand career pathways that introduce students to jobs in the heavy highway industry, including construction inspection, equipment maintenance, electrical work, welding, surveying, estimating and other skilled trades.

Individual grants of up to $500,000 will be available through federal funding.

"Our schools and educational partners are preparing our future workforce, which is why the Shapiro Administration is investing in the many ways that our young people can grow a career," PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll said in a statement. "These grants will help schools start or expand programs to expose students to the trades that will continue building Pennsylvania."

The funding is available to a wide range of educational institutions, including public and private schools, cyber schools, career and technical centers, youth development centers and colleges, as long as their primary campus is in Pennsylvania.

To qualify, applicants must partner with organizations such as highway contractors, labor unions, workforce development boards, colleges or other community workforce groups. The goal is to connect classroom learning with real-world training and industry experience.

The initiative comes as the construction industry continues to face labor shortages. According to a 2025 survey by the Associated General Contractors of America, 92% of contractors report difficulty filling open positions.

At the same time, the National Center for Construction Education and Research estimates that roughly 41% of the current construction workforce will retire by 2031.

PennDOT officials say interest in transportation careers is already growing. Nearly 100 Pennsylvania schools and school districts have contacted the agency about participating in its new Heavy Highway Industry Career Day program, which will begin visiting schools this fall.

The new grant program builds on Gov. Josh Shapiro's broader workforce development efforts. In 2023, the administration launched the Commonwealth Workforce Transformation Program to strengthen training opportunities for workers supporting infrastructure projects across the state.

Education Secretary Dr. Carrie Rowe said career and technical education programs give students practical skills while helping employers address workforce needs.

"Career and technical centers give students the hands-on skills they need to be competitive in the workforce," Rowe said. "Investing in these programs provides more opportunities for students to get a head-start on careers that are critical here in the Commonwealth."

Since 2023, the Shapiro administration says it has increased funding for career and technical education by $65 million, expanding access to training programs, hiring more instructors and upgrading classroom equipment. State officials report that more than 3,000 additional students have enrolled in career and technical education programs during that time.

The heavy highway grant program is funded through federal highway construction dollars made available for workforce development under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

The broader Commonwealth Workforce Transformation Program also supports participants with services such as transportation assistance, childcare and professional development to help them complete training programs.

Source: Commonwealth of Pennsylvania