Mar. 20, 2019

HARRISBURG – The House today approved legislation authored by Rep. Zach Mako (R-Lehigh/Northampton) to increase student awareness about workforce needs and opportunities.

The bill is part of a package of legislation focusing on efforts to enhance the state’s workforce development system to help students, underemployed and unemployed adults, as well as returning military, veterans and others enter fulfilling, family-sustaining careers.

“I’m pleased the House has passed my bill for the second legislative session in a row,” Mako said. “Hopefully, it makes it to the governor’s desk soon so that students can be further educated about employment opportunities outside of a four-year degree. Many good-paying jobs do not require a four-year college degree. We need to make sure students understand all options available.”

House Bill 297 would require school entities to allow career representatives from technical schools, trade schools, community colleges, businesses and industry access to disseminate information about employment opportunities and to recruit students. In addition, the Pennsylvania Department of Education, in collaboration with the Department of Labor and Industry, would annually develop or update materials outlining workforce needs, including training opportunities and future earning potential. Schools would then distribute these materials to their students. Finally, schools must provide at least one opportunity each year for students in grades four through 12 to receive age-appropriate career information individually or in a group setting.

The bill now goes to the Senate for its consideration.

The 183rd District includes South Whitehall (part), Washington and Whitehall (part) townships and Slatington Borough in Lehigh County. It also consists of Allen, Lehigh and Moore (part) townships, and North Catasauqua, Northampton and Walnutport boroughs in Northampton County.

Representative Zachary Mako
183rd Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives

Media Contact: Tracy Polovick
717.260.6358
tpolovick@pahousegop.com 
RepMako.com / Facebook.com/RepMako
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