Legislators tour vocational training facility

U.S. Rep. Fred Keller (R-PA) and state Rep. Clint Owlett (R-Tioga/Bradford/Potter) recently toured Penn College’s vocational training labs in Williamsport to discuss the future of Pennsylvania’s skilled workforce.

Penn College has trained more than 2,900 students in the industrial, healthcare, and energy sectors. It emphasizes apprenticeships. The college’s largest program areas include nursing, information technology, welding, and construction.

The legislators toured the Thompson Professional Development Center and state-of-the-art construction, welding, and electrical laboratories.

“This pandemic has had a profound impact on America’s workforce, supply chain, and industries across the board,” Keller said in a statement. “Moving forward, our focus must be on helping more people find work, while also ensuring that the workforce needs of industries like long-term care are being met. Thanks to Penn College, thousands of local students have gotten the training necessary to succeed in these competitive industries. I am glad to work together with all of our local partners to create a brighter future for Pennsylvania’s workforce.”

Keller and Owlett also met with Penn College administrators and local leaders to discuss the federal Strengthening Knowledge, Improving Learning and Livelihoods Act. The bill would amend existing laws to prioritize job creation for in-demand industries and help connect workers displaced by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Keller introduced the bill on Sept. 22.