Bipartisan legislation recently introduced in the state House of Representatives would strengthen Pennsylvania’s skilled trades work force and expand post-secondary opportunities.
House Bill 2308 would amend the Public School Code to create a scholarship program, PA Workforce, Opportunity, Retention, and Knowledge Scholarship (WORKS), that would allow eligible businesses to use their tax credits for scholarships. The scholarships would be awarded to students enrolled in Pennsylvania-based institutions of higher education that offer programs in specified high-demand fields.
The institution of higher education must provide instruction in at least one of the following: carpentry; construction safety; construction management; electrical construction or maintenance; heating, ventilation or air conditioning; masonry construction; metal fabrication; plumbing, water or environmental technology; or welding or welding technology.
“Throughout my time in the state Legislature, I have always committed myself to supporting our students who want to work in the trades,” state Rep. Bryan Cutler (R-Peach Bottom), the bill’s prime sponsor, said. “My bipartisan proposal, the PA WORKS program, would reduce the financial barriers students face when pursuing technical and professional degrees in the trades. Long term, this would expand access to careers that offer sustainable wages and long-term economic opportunity for individuals from all backgrounds.”
The House Education Committee is considering the bill.