Schuylkill Technology Center Awarded Workforce Readiness Grant

HARRISBURG - Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29 and the Schuylkill Technology Center were awarded a $250,000 state grant to provide new training pathways for carpenters, according to Sen. Dave Argall (R-29), Rep. Tim Twardzik (R-123), Rep. Jamie Barton (R-124), Rep. JoAnne Stehr (R-107) and Rep. Dane Watro (R-116).

The grant, awarded through the Schools-to-Work Program, will establish Schuylkill County's first registered carpentry pre-apprenticeship program in collaboration with the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters.

The program will serve local high school seniors by providing industry-aligned classroom instruction, hands-on technical training and work-based learning opportunities that prepare students for direct entry into registered apprenticeships, post-secondary education or employment in high-demand skilled trades jobs.

"This initiative reflects the power of strong partnerships," said Dr. Anthony Serafini, executive director, Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29. "Through collaboration and shared expertise, IU 29 and the Schuylkill Technology Center can expand opportunities, maximize our community impact and build a stronger local workforce for years to come. We are incredibly proud to be part of this work."

"Through a partnership between Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29 and Schuylkill Technology Center, the Schools-to-Work grant will enable a carpentry pre-apprenticeship program to be developed in Schuylkill County that will expand access to career and technical education to more students and help meet our community's workforce development needs," said Shannon Brennan, director of career and technical education, Schuylkill Technology Center.

The Schools-to-Work Program was created by the General Assembly to help establish, launch and maintain registered pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship career pathways that bridge the gap between high school or college graduation and the job search process. The program is administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry.

CONTACTS:

Seth Hubler (Argall)
Will Jones (Twardzik/Stehr)
Jake Gillespie (Barton)
Chris Comisac (Watro)