York County House Members Support Bill to Promote Career and Technical Students
HARRISBURG – The York County House Republican delegation joined its colleagues Wednesday in advancing legislation that would more accurately measure the academic proficiency of students in vocational education programs.
House Bill 2381, which passed unanimously, may now be taken up by the state Senate.
The legislation would give students who are enrolled in a vocational education program the ability to demonstrate proficiency on content areas related to the Keystone Exams, in addition to showing career readiness in their programs of study, by attaining an industry-based competency credential, such as National Occupational Competency Testing Institute (NOCTI) or National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) certification, or satisfying other industry-based factors.
State Reps. Keith Gillespie (R-Hellam), Seth Grove (R-Dover), Kate Klunk (R-Hanover), Kristin Phillips-Hill (R-York Township), Mike Regan (R-Dillsburg) and Stan Saylor (R-Red Lion) issued the following statement after passage of the bill:
“For too many years, skilled trades have been the most difficult segment of the job market for employers to staff. While the workforce is ever-changing, these jobs cannot and will not be eliminated through technological advancements. Additionally, the average age of the men and women in these lines of work is significantly older than other segments of the labor force.
“We need to do more to encourage young people with these skill sets to pursue their careers. Providing students in vocational education programs with alternative options to show readiness for graduation will do just that. House Bill 2381 tailors our education system to their needs, as well as the needs of our economy.
“We hope our Senate colleagues act quickly on this bill and advance it to Gov. Tom Wolf’s desk.”
York County House Republican Delegation
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Scott Little
717.260.6137
slittle@pahousegop.com