U.S. Rep. Emilia Sykes greets Local 18 apprentices.
RICHFIELD — U.S. Rep. Emilia Sykes (D-District 13) June 24 hosted U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg in Richfield to highlight local efforts to create workforce development opportunities, expand apprenticeships and invest in infrastructure to lower transportation costs.
The visit began with a tour of the Ohio Operating Engineers Apprenticeship and Training Facility, where Sykes and Buttigieg met with apprentices through the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 18, District 6.
Following the tour, Sykes and Buttigieg held a roundtable discussion about the impact of apprenticeship programs in local communities and the importance of investing in infrastructure with local labor and transportation leaders.
“The operating engineers, Local 18 was honored to host the event with Congresswoman Sykes and Secretary Buttigieg at Richfield Training Center,” said Michael Bertolone, IUOE Local 18 Business Manager. “We always love to show off our training program to the public, and this was one of the best opportunities we have seen in a while. We are grateful for both the congresswoman and secretary for their efforts for securing the funding for the hundreds of projects our members are on now.”
Sykes is a member of the Congressional Labor Caucus, which works to protect workers’ rights, advance the priorities of workers and the labor movement, and connect legislators directly with workers and unions. She is also a co-sponsor of the National Apprenticeships Act, which, according to a press release, would create nearly one million new Registered Apprenticeship, youth apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship opportunities over the next five years by investing more than $3.8 billion over five years.
“Historic legislation like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is making unprecedented investments in our nation’s infrastructure, creating good-paying, union jobs in communities right here in Ohio’s 13th Congressional District,” said Sykes. “Now, we must ensure everyone has the skills they need to take advantage of these new opportunities and the industries of the future. I was glad to welcome Secretary Buttigieg to our district to demonstrate how we are leading the way in expanding access to apprenticeships and creating new pathways to the middle class. … I’ll keep working to ensure everyone in Ohio’s 13th District, whether they want to go to college or directly into the workforce, has the opportunities and skills they need to succeed.”
Michael Bertolone, IUOE Local 18 Business Manager (center left), Secretary Pete Buttigieg (center) and U.S. Rep. Emilia Sykes (center right) with Local 18 members at the Richfield training facility. Photos courtesy of the office of U.S. Rep. Emilia Sykes