EDISON, NJ – U.S. Department of Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer continued her America at Work listening tour this week with visits to Long Island, New York, and Edison, New Jersey, where she met with apprentices and observed hands-on training in welding, framing, and acoustical work.“Our nation’s skilled workforce is thriving under President Trump’s leadership, with thousands of new jobs created on Long Island and in New Jersey since he took office,” said Secretary Chavez-DeRemer. “This week, I’ve seen firsthand the impact of investments in top-notch training programs that drive local economic growth. When we invest in skills and opportunity, we empower men and women to build better lives for themselves and their families. I appreciate Congressmen Garbarino, LaLota, and Kean hosting me on my America at Work tour and will continue working with them to Make America Skilled Again.”“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,” said Rep. Andrew Garbarino. “From apprentices learning the trades at Local 290 to advanced technical training programs at Suffolk County Community College, these initiatives are not only equipping our workforce with the skills they need – they’re also strengthening Long Island’s economic future. I thank Secretary Chavez-DeRemer for making the trip and recognizing the importance of continued investment in our skilled workforce.”“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,” said Rep. Nick LaLota. “To keep our region competitive, we must continue investing in workforce development and modern infrastructure. In Congress, I’ll keep fighting for commonsense solutions that strengthen job training, connect workers to good-paying careers, and grow Long Island’s economy from the ground up.”New YorkJoined by Reps. Garbarino and LaLota, Secretary Chavez-DeRemer visited the Northeast Regional Council of Carpenters Local 290 Training Center in Hauppauge, where she observed hands-on technical instruction in welding, framing, and acoustical work. She also engaged with apprentices to discuss the importance of developing practical skills. Later, they toured Suffolk County Community College’s National Offshore Wind Training Center in Brentwood, a state-of-the-art program preparing local workers for careers in the emerging offshore wind industry. The group also toured specialized training facilities focused on fire awareness, sea survival, and working-at-heights safety – critical for ensuring safe and effective operations in offshore environments.The Secretary concluded her Long Island stop with a roundtable discussion hosted by the Society for Human Resource Management to discuss strategies for building workplaces that help both people and businesses thrive.New JerseyIn Edison, the Secretary visited the Northeast Carpenters Training Center in Edison with Rep. Kean. This state-of-the-art, union-owned facility, part of the Eastern Atlantic States Carpenters Technical Centers, provides hands-on training in carpentry, millwright work, cabinetmaking, and floor laying. Secretary Chavez-DeRemer emphasized the importance of developing pathways to success through high-quality workforce development programs that equip apprentices with the resources they need to excel.“From construction and manufacturing to transportation infrastructure, everything built in New Jersey is built by the hands of dedicated tradesmen and women,” said Rep. Tom Kean Jr. “Today’s visit to the Northeast Carpenters Training Center, alongside Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer, was an incredible opportunity to see the next generation of skilled laborers in action. The center’s workforce development programs show how strong partnerships between labor, industry, and educators equip students with the skills, leadership, and safety training they need to succeed on the job and return home safely to their families each night. As we invest in infrastructure, innovation, and nationwide projects, New Jersey will continue to lead the way due to its strong and skilled workforce. I want to thank Secretary Chavez-DeRemer for her continued leadership and for visiting the great Garden State.”Secretary Chavez-DeRemer launched her America at Work listening tour in early April to bring real-world feedback from American workers to policymakers in Washington. Recent stops have included visits to Colorado and Arizona, highlighting best practices and successful workforce development initiatives across the country.Learn more about Secretary Chavez-DeRemer’s efforts to strengthen America’s skilled workforce.