Pittsburgh International Airport is not just modernizing its $1.57 billion terminal—it’s investing in the future of the city’s workforce through the PIT2Work program.
Launched in June 2023, this innovative initiative trains local residents in construction trades, creating a sustainable talent pipeline that addresses labor shortages, supports community development and strengthens regional infrastructure projects.
Building Careers, Strengthening Communities: A Workforce Solution for Pittsburgh’s Construction Industry
PIT2Work is a free, five-week pre-apprenticeship program designed to prepare participants for careers in the trades. Hosted at Pittsburgh International Airport and supported by regional partners such as Partner4Work and Pittsburgh Gateways Corporation, the program integrates classroom instruction and hands-on field training with union and apprenticeship sites.
The program offers:
- Training in essential skills like construction math and financial literacy.
- Industry certifications, including OSHA compliance.
- Wraparound support services, such as onsite childcare and transportation.
“We really wanted to make sure the new terminal was designed and built for Pittsburgh by folks who live in Pittsburgh,” said Alicia Booker, director of workforce development at Allegheny County Airport Authority.
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Inside the Terminal Modernization Program (TMP)
Pittsburgh International Airport’s Terminal Modernization Program (TMP) is a $1.57 billion redevelopment designed to reshape the region’s air travel experience. The project includes constructing a new 700,000-square-foot terminal, an adjacent multi-level parking garage and state-of-the-art baggage handling and security systems.
Key Construction Milestones:
- Project Launch: Groundbreaking in October 2021.
- Structural Completion: Expected by late 2025.
- Terminal Opening: Scheduled for 2026.
TMP is more than an infrastructure upgrade; it’s a local economic engine. Through the PIT2Work program, Pittsburgh residents receive specialized trade training, earning valuable certifications and real-world experience on the TMP job site. Some graduates now work directly on critical terminal components like fireproofing and roofing.
By combining large-scale construction with a focus on workforce development, TMP is building both infrastructure and opportunity, ensuring Pittsburgh’s future takes off in more ways than one.
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Customized Training for Construction Industry Success
PIT2Work directly addresses challenges facing the construction industry, including a labor shortage and the need for workforce diversity. Participants range in age from 18 to 52 and represent a mix of genders, races and socioeconomic backgrounds.
The program focuses on preparing graduates for immediate employment:
- At the end of each cohort, graduates participate in an exclusive career connections day with union representatives, contractors and employers.
- More than 90% of graduates secure jobs in the trades, filling critical roles in projects like the Terminal Modernization Program (TMP) and other construction initiatives throughout the region.
Graduates like Troy Buefort and Brandon McWright exemplify the program’s success. “Five weeks changed my whole life,” said McWright, who transitioned from home care to construction with newfound skills in teamwork, responsibility and punctuality.
Creating a Skilled Workforce Pipeline for Pittsburgh’s Construction Future
PIT2Work’s impact extends beyond individual success stories. By focusing on workforce development, the program helps construction companies overcome recruitment challenges while ensuring Pittsburgh’s infrastructure projects are supported by skilled, local talent.
One unique aspect of the program is its alignment with the Biden Workforce Hubs Initiative, a federal effort to rebuild city infrastructure while fostering equitable economic growth. Recognized by former First Lady Jill Biden and former Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, PIT2Work exemplifies how workforce programs can serve as a model for other cities experiencing labor shortages.
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Bridging the Labor Gap: Why Construction Needs Programs Like PIT2Work
The Challenge: A National Labor Shortage
- The US construction industry is facing a labor crisis, with an estimated 454,000 additional workers needed in 2025 to meet demand.
- Pittsburgh reflects this trend, with an aging workforce and ongoing construction and redevelopment projects creating urgent demand for skilled tradespeople.
The Solution: Pre-Apprenticeship Programs
- Programs like PIT2Work provide a direct pipeline of qualified workers by offering hands-on training, industry certifications and job placement services.
- Graduates enter the workforce job-ready, reducing hiring and training costs for contractors.
The ROI for Construction Companies
- Reduced Recruitment Costs: Companies hire graduates already equipped with trade skills.
- Faster Project Timelines: A steady labor supply helps minimize project delays.
- Community Impact and Reputation: Supporting workforce development boosts a company’s reputation for corporate social responsibility.
Why Partnerships Matter
- PIT2Work thrives due to partnerships with local government, workforce investment boards, trade unions and contractors.
- This collaboration ensures relevant, in-demand skills training while fostering long-term community development and economic growth.
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Expanding Career Opportunities in Pittsburgh’s Construction Industry
As Pittsburgh continues its construction boom, PIT2Work is looking to the future. Plans include expanding training locations and introducing additional partnerships to broaden the program’s reach. Booker highlights the program’s lasting impact: “We’ve seen the change this has had in these individuals’ lives. When you give individuals a chance to change themselves, now they have more confidence and purpose. That will resonate with their kids and create a positive impact for generations.”
Construction executives looking for skilled labor and community investment opportunities can learn from PIT2Work’s approach. By combining public-private partnerships, targeted training and robust support services, the program serves as a blueprint for tackling workforce challenges in the construction sector.
For companies interested in collaborating with PIT2Work or learning more, the Allegheny County Airport Authority welcomes inquiries to further strengthen the regional workforce and drive sustainable economic growth.
