Mar. 21, 2019
HARRISBURG – To connect people with the best training for in-demand careers, Rep. Russ Diamond (R-Lebanon) joined a majority of his colleagues this week in voting for nine bills that support the Good Jobs for Pennsylvania initiative, which has been a focus of House Republicans this legislative session.
The bipartisan, career and technical education (CTE) package includes measures to address business and industry, increase access to CTE programs and alleviate the stigma often associated with CTE. The bills would address the skills gap and worker shortages faced by industries across the state, as well as enhance educational programs and access to those opportunities for workers of all ages.
“These careers can offer healthy salaries – even in the six figures – with minimal student debt and immediate placement following training. With so many young Pennsylvanians being saddled with unthinkable student debt as they attempt to start their adult lives, it’s time for us to better promote other options that may suit them much better,” Diamond said.
Earlier this month, Diamond joined the House Majority Policy Committee for a tour of Penn College of Technology and Lycoming Engines, which work cooperatively to train and employ people who pursue operating engineer, construction and steamfitting trades.
“It was a fantastic opportunity for us to see where an educational facility feeds a business with employees who are trained and ready to get on the floor,” Diamond added. “Investing in these educational facilities that actually train people to do real jobs is a great way to look at Pennsylvania’s future. We need to replicate this everywhere we can.”
The CTE package is part of the caucus agenda to enhance the workforce development system by helping students, under-employed and unemployed adults, as well as returning military veterans and others, enter fulfilling, family-sustaining careers.
Representative Russ Diamond
102nd Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Alison Evans
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