Acting Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling Meets with Philadelphia Industry Leaders

SMCA of Philadelphia recently welcomed U.S. Acting Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling for a discussion on the future of the skilled trades and workforce development.

Joining the discussion were Dominic Bonitatis of Prime Sheet Metal, Ernest Menold of Ernest D. Menold, Inc., Jennifer Lohr of Fisher Balancing Company, SMCA Executive Director Pete Jenkins, and SMACNA Executive Director of Government and Political Affairs Stan Kolbe.

Participants discussed the growing demand for skilled workers driven by major investments in pharmaceuticals, data centers, infrastructure, and public works projects throughout the region. The conversation addressed workforce recruitment, apprenticeship training, veteran outreach initiatives, employee retention, technology adoption, and policies needed to support continued growth.

Acting Secretary Sonderling emphasized safety, public-private partnerships, and expanding registered apprenticeship opportunities nationwide. Industry leaders also discussed recent workforce investments by companies such as Google, BlackRock, and Meta, and the role partnerships play in preparing the next generation of skilled trades professionals.

Thank you to Acting Secretary Sonderling and his team for taking the time to hear directly from SMACNA contractors and industry leaders.