By Blake Jackson
Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) Secretary Nancy A. Walker recently visited the LEAF Project Home Farm in Perry County to highlight how hands-on agricultural training programs are helping young Pennsylvanians gain workplace skills and prepare for future careers.
The LEAF Project provides paid employment opportunities through a state-registered pre-apprenticeship program, allowing youth participants to develop skills in areas such as vegetable production, pest management, food safety, budgeting, marketing and food distribution.
The program demonstrates how practical experience can help young people build confidence while exploring careers in agriculture and food systems.
The visit followed the signing of Governor Josh Shapiro’s bipartisan 2026-27 budget, which expands support for workforce development initiatives across Pennsylvania. The budget includes a $10 million increase for career and technical education funding.
Overall state investment in workforce programs, including registered apprenticeships, pre-apprenticeships and technical education, has grown from $118 million before Governor Shapiro took office to $193 million today.
“Governor Shapiro understands that Pennsylvania’s economic future depends on preparing people for the jobs of today and tomorrow,” said Secretary Walker.
“At LEAF, young people are earning a paycheck while learning how to grow food, operate a business, solve problems and lead a team. That is what effective workforce development looks like: real experience, recognized skills and a pathway to a meaningful career.”
In 2025, the Shapiro Administration provided LEAF with $144,644 through L&I’s agriculture apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship grant initiative. The funding supports youth employment, leadership training and agricultural education for participants ages 14 to 18.
"Every day, I get the privilege of working alongside motivated, inspired, and hardworking young people who are feeding their community while developing their leadership skills - and seeing themselves as an essential part of our community and the food system,” said Heidi Witmer, LEAF Founder and Executive Director.
“Employment-based apprenticeships like LEAF open doors for talented youth, especially those from non-farming families, to see themselves as leaders in Pennsylvania's food system. This is how we cultivate the next generation of leaders."
LEAF also partners with Pasa Sustainable Agriculture through its Diversified Vegetable Pre-Apprenticeship program, which provides curriculum, administrative support and connections to agricultural career pathways.
Since 2023, Pennsylvania has invested nearly $1 million in Pasa through apprenticeship grants to strengthen agricultural workforce development.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-sisoje
Categories: Pennsylvania, Government & Policy