Expanding workforce training programs was the theme as U.S. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer came to Long Island for a daylong tour focused on preparing residents for high-demand jobs in construction, clean energy, and advanced trades.
The visit with Congressmen Andrew Garbarino and Nick LaLota began at the Local 290 Training Center in Hauppauge, where the delegation observed apprentices training in welding, framing, and acoustical systems. Secretary Chavez-DeRemer spoke with students and met with leaders from the North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters.
The tour continued at Suffolk County Community College in Brentwood, where the group explored the National Offshore Wind Training Center, a cutting-edge initiative equipping workers with specialized skills for jobs in the growing offshore wind sector. The facility offers training in areas such as fire awareness, sea survival, and working-at-heights safety.
“Long Island has long been a leader in workforce innovation, and today’s visit showcased the strong partnerships between labor, education, and government that are building pathways to good-paying jobs for local workers,” Rep. Garbarino said. “These initiatives are not only equipping our workforce with the skills they need, they’re also strengthening Long Island’s economic future.”
Rep. LaLota emphasized the importance of investing in job training to keep the region competitive. “Labor Secretary Chavez-DeRemer’s visit to Suffolk County and her engagement with Long Island’s blue-collar labor leaders highlight the new Republican Party’s commitment to supporting both business growth and hardworking Americans through fair wages, safe working conditions, and expanded opportunities,” LaLota said.
Secretary Chavez-DeRemer praised the region’s efforts to grow a skilled workforce and linked the success to the broader goals of the Trump administration. “Long Island’s skilled workforce is thriving under President Trump’s leadership, with thousands of new jobs created since he took office,” she said. “When we invest in skills and opportunity, we empower our men and women to build better lives.”
Anthony Villa, business manager for Local 290, called the visit an important recognition of the role tradespeople play in building the state’s economy. “Our world-class training center ensures that the next generation of carpenters has the skills they need to be successful,” Villa said.
The tour drew leaders from organized labor, education, and county government, underscoring a coordinated effort to expand Long Island’s talent pipeline and support industries critical to the region’s economic growth.