As demand for trades grows, House committee hears from speakers about breaking 'stigma'
Aug. 29—OLD FORGE — It's time to break the stigma.
Career and technical education isn't just for "bad kids" or students who can't make it into college. As the demand for careers in the trades grows, area educators Tuesday called for greater awareness, flexibility and more funding.
"This is a wonderful pathway for people to go into," Old Forge Superintendent Erin Keating, Ed.D., told members of the House Majority Policy Committee. "It's a wonderful opportunity for students."
Democrats from House districts across the state gathered in the newly renovated auditorium at Old Forge High School, where 30% of students attend Wilkes-Barre Area Career & Technical Center for part of the day.
The budget signed by Gov. Josh Shapiro earlier this month will funnel more than $30 million to expand career and technical programs and fund the Schools-to-Work and apprenticeship programs. Senate leadership must still sign off on the expenditures.
The committee's visit to Old Forge is part of a three-day trip to the region that began Monday at McLane Co.'s Jessup distribution center with discussions about supply chain transportation issues. On Wednesday, members are scheduled to hold a hearing on passenger rail at 10 a.m. at the Electric City Trolley Museum.
Speakers on Tuesday highlighted how graduates can obtain family-sustaining jobs without college debt and help fill the growing demand for jobs in the trades. The speakers also want to see more programs for middle school students, who may be inspired to attend a career or technical school. Breaking the "stigma" associated with attending one of the schools starts with educating parents, speakers said.
Riverside and Old Forge students can attend the Wilkes-Barre Area Career & Technical Center, while other Lackawanna County students attend the Career Technology Center of Lackawanna County. In the last decade, enrollment in the Scranton school has increased by 82%, mirroring the trend of students pursuing careers in which a four-year college degree isn't necessarily required.
The Wilkes-Barre school has also seen growth in recent years, expecting about 1,155 students to be enrolled in 23 different programs this fall, said Anthony Guariglia, Ph.D., administrative director.
He brought up several issues that need greater funding, support and expansion, including industry-recognized certifications, work-based learning, dual enrollment programs and career navigation systems.
"Technical education continues to experience growth throughout Pennsylvania, but the increase in students has still not met the demands for skilled workers in our economy," said Rep. Jim Haddock, D-118, Pittston Twp., who hosted the hearing and is a graduate of Wilkes-Barre Vo Tech.
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