The funding, awarded through the Schools-to-Work Program, will establish Schuylkill County’s first registered carpentry pre-apprenticeship program in partnership with the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters.
The new program is designed to serve local high school seniors by offering industry-aligned classroom instruction, hands-on technical training and work-based learning opportunities. Students who complete the program will be prepared for direct entry into registered apprenticeships, post-secondary education or immediate employment in high-demand skilled trades careers.
“This initiative reflects the power of strong partnerships,” said Dr. Anthony Serafini, executive director of 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.”
Shannon Brennan, director of career and technical education at the Schuylkill Technology Center, said the grant will help expand access to career and technical education opportunities for students across the county.
“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,” Brennan said.
The Schools-to-Work Program was created by the Pennsylvania General Assembly to help establish, launch and maintain registered pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship career pathways. The program aims to bridge the gap between high school or college graduation and the job search process by aligning education with workforce demands.
The initiative is administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry.