Shapiro Administration Celebrates the Commonwealth’s First IT Help Desk Apprentices as They Embark on the Next Steps in their Careers

​The Shapiro Administration is creating new pathways to explore careers in public service with the Commonwealth, creating real opportunities for Pennsylvanians to chart their own course for success.

Harrisburg, PA - The Shapiro Administration is celebrating the success of the Commonwealth's first-ever information technology (IT) help desk apprenticeship program. Six employees recently completed their one-year apprenticeships and were promoted to full-time Help Desk Technician positions in the Office of Administration's Office for Information Technology supporting the state government workforce.

"We're proud to be leading the charge on Governor Shapiro's vision to increase employment opportunities and attract the next generation of the workforce to public service," said Secretary of Administration Neil Weaver. "Our graduating apprentices have achieved so much in their year in the apprenticeship program, and we're excited to see where their career journeys take them."

The IT Help Desk Apprenticeship program graduates are: Kaz Clark, Jeremy Hoffman, Travis Hitz, Kiona Hayes-Roberts, Neisser Ribera, and Kyler Rusinko of Dauphin County.

​The IT Help Desk Apprenticeship Program provides high school graduates, veterans, and those in transition with a career pathway at the Commonwealth. During the first year, the apprentices are paired with experienced IT help desk staff for hands-on learning and mentorship. Upon successful completion, apprentices are promoted to Help Desk Technician positions. After the second year, they are eligible to apply for IT Technician positions. From there, they can pursue openings for IT Generalist or similar positions for which they are qualified, giving them the freedom to chart their own course as an IT professional with the Commonwealth.

The Office of Administration (OA) created the IT Help Desk Apprenticeship program to support Governor Shapiro's 2023 executive order to prioritize work experience in hiring for state government jobs. The order recognizes the value of practical experience gained through apprenticeships, on-the-job training, military service, and trade schools to promote innovation and diverse perspectives in the Commonwealth's workforce.

In May, the Governor signed an executive order to establish the Hire, Improve, Recruit, Empower (HIRE) Committee to expand opportunities for Pennsylvanians seeking a career in public service, continue to build a more competitive Commonwealth workforce, and make state government the best place to work in the Commonwealth. The order directs OA to expand internship, apprenticeship, and fellowship opportunities to help build a pipeline of future Commonwealth leaders.

You can view information about the Commonwealth's growing selection of internship, apprenticeship, and fellowship opportunities on the Launch Your Career page on Employment.pa.gov.

To learn more about working for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, visit Employment.pa.gov to view and apply to current job openings, receive notifications about new vacancies in their field, and learn more about the Commonwealth's Total Rewards benefits for employees.

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