Governor Wolf Visits Phoenix Contact Pennsylvania Governor Discusses Importance of Apprenticeships and Other Job Training Programs

Phoenix Contact Jul 16, 2019

Middletown, Pa. – Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf visited Phoenix Contact USA headquarters on Tuesday, July 9, 2019, to discuss the importance of workforce development programs in the commonwealth. Jack Nehlig, president of Phoenix Contact USA, hosted the governor on a tour of Phoenix Contact’s manufacturing and logistics facilities.

During the tour, Governor Wolf met several graduates of Phoenix Contact’s apprenticeship programs. Afterwards, the governor held a press conference to highlight his PAsmart initiative, which funds job training programs like apprenticeships. Daniel Koprowski, a mechatronics technician at Phoenix Contact, shared how he not only earned a degree through the Phoenix Contact Apprenticeship program, but he also gained valuable work and life skills, without accruing student debt.

Phoenix Contact offers several apprenticeship programs that give employees the hands-on training and real-world experience needed in today’s technical marketplace. Phoenix Contact apprenticeships include:

Mechatronics Apprenticeship – Trainees learn the necessary skills to support the complex technology of the machines they maintain. This apprenticeship, approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, was the first of its type in the U.S.
Industrial Maintenance Repairer Apprenticeship – Trainees learn the necessary knowledge and skills to maintain and support the multi-level operations and structure of the facility. This program is also registered by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry.
Sales and Technology Apprenticeship – Recent college graduates complete a one-year specialized track to help jump-start a career in technical sales, solution engineering, or operational information technology.

“Phoenix Contact’s investment in apprenticeship programs has paid off in many ways,” said Nehlig. “Apprenticeships give us a competitive edge in attracting the best employees, while simultaneously ensuring our employees get the knowledge, skills, and confidence to pursue careers in today’s technically challenging environment.”

About Phoenix Contact

Phoenix Contact develops and manufactures industrial electrical and electronic technology products that power, protect, connect, and automate systems and equipment for a wide range of industries. Phoenix Contact GmbH & Co. KG, Blomberg, Germany, operates 50 international subsidiaries, including Phoenix Contact USA in Middletown, Pa.

For more information about Phoenix Contact or its products, visit www.phoenixcontact.com, call technical service at 800-322-3225, or

e-mail info@phoenixcon.com.