Sep. 26, 2019
HARRISBURG – The House earlier this week sent to the governor a comprehensive career and technical education bill that includes a provision authored by Rep. Zach Mako (R-Lehigh/Northampton).
“I was pleased to see one of the first bills we advanced in the fall session would help prepare high school and college students for the jobs of today and tomorrow,” said Rep. Marcia Hahn (R-Bushkill Township). “I know Rep. Mako has worked tirelessly on his legislation to increase student awareness about workforce needs and opportunities outside of a four-year degree. In June, he was successful in inserting his
House Bill 297 into this proposal. As he is protecting our freedoms overseas, the least we can do is get this legislation over the finish line. I urge the governor to sign it quickly.”
Mako’s provision 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.
Other portions of
House Bill 265, which passed the House this week, would establish an online career resource center; inventory existing workforce development programs that emphasize business-education partnerships and develop best practices to enhance these efforts; permit occupational advisory committees to be established at intermediate units to ensure that industry standards are properly integrated into instructional programming; and create a grant program that encourages employers to establish apprenticeships to enable students to learn a trade and ultimately provides employers with a trained workforce.
Representative Marcia Hahn
138th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Tracy Polovick
717.260.6358
tpolovick@pahousegop.com
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