On Sept. 27 the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) approved five registered pre-apprenticeship programs for Bucks County Career and Technical students that expand career pathways in carpentry, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, and welding.
The newly approved pre-apprenticeship programs are the result of the Trades Pre-Apprenticeship Consortium of Bucks County, comprising the Bucks County Department of Workforce & Economic Development (WED), Bucks County Technical High School, Middle Bucks Institute of Technology, Upper Bucks County Technical School, Associated Builders & Contractors Eastern PA Chapter, Pennsylvania Association of Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors, and Philly Shipyard, Inc.
“The county is proud to be part of this collaborative effort to expand the growing network of registered pre-apprenticeship programs for Bucks County students,” said Billie Barnes, executive Director of Bucks County WED. “Pre-apprenticeships offer unique opportunities for work-based learning and create a robust pipeline of career-ready youth into skilled professions.”
Through PAsmart grant support, the consortium has created local workforce development partnerships committed to increasing training pathways by establishing registered pre-apprenticeships that prepare students to fill the need for experienced carpenters and electricians, heating and air conditioning technicians, plumbers and welders, and all trades listed on the High Priority Occupations (HPO) list for the Southeastern Region of Pennsylvania.
Associated Builders & Contractors Eastern PA Chapter, Pennsylvania Association of Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors, and Philly Shipyard offer pre-apprentices direct introduction to employers, pre-apprenticeship interview events, job fairs, and distribution of participant resumes to specific employers. In addition, these industries support creating career opportunities, including registered apprenticeships, internships, scholarships, and national competitions.
The PAsmart grant provides supportive services for certifications, exams, and clearances required for pre-apprentices to participate. Financial support per trainee is also available for any trainee who needs clothing, tools, equipment, and safety gear to be successful.
Students earning pre-apprenticeship credentials upon program completion are eligible to enroll in registered apprenticeship programs, which offer paid work experience in the building and manufacturing trades.
For information, contact Alice Colyar, grant manager, Bucks County WED, at 215-345-3487 or amcolyar@buckscounty.org.
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