Preparing The Workforce of Tomorrow

By 2024 more than 1 million skilled jobs will need to be filled in Pennsylvania, according to a June 2016 report from the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. Based on current data, this need cannot be met, specifically for the “middle skills” jobs, or those that require training beyond high school, but less than a bachelor’s degree.

York County Alliance for Learning (YCAL), which connects students and businesses with training and integration into the skilled workforce, is stepping in to help. In 2016, with funding from YCCF’s Fund for York County and Kinsley Construction as a corporate partner, YCAL began the Pre-Apprenticeship Program.

High school juniors from across York County, who think an apprenticeship in construction might be the right career path for them, can apply to participate in the Pre-Apprenticeship Program during their senior year. For the 2017-2018 school year, the program will be offered in a construction track at Kinsley’s Education Center, with online modules from the National Tooling and Manufacturing Association to be completed at their home schools. Students will also participate in a 10-hour OSHA training and receive an OSHA certification card upon completion.

With at least one event per month from September through April, students will be able to determine if an apprenticeship in construction is the right career move for them. For many, a paid apprenticeship is more appealing than getting a four-year education. And for some, they will realize that a college or university is the path they want to pursue.

Kinsley and other York County businesses see the value in pre-apprenticeship programs to help them identify potential employees, and address recruitment challenges.