Schuylkill Technology Center, IU get $250k to start carpentry pre-apprenticeship program
KAYLEE LINDENMUTH / SHENANDOAH SENTINEL FILE - The Schuylkill Technology Center South Campus at Mar Lin, seen on August 22, 2017.
MAR LIN – Thousands in grant funding is coming to Schuylkill County to support workforce education here in the heart of the anthracite.
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 Schuylkill County’s legislative delegation.
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.
“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.”
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.
“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.
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