Brown Proposal Would Restore Shop Class in Pennsylvania Schools

4/1/2026

HARRISBURG – Rep. Marla Brown (R-Lawrence) is planning to introduce legislation that would require students in grades six through 12 to participate in shop class, helping to expand hands-on learning and better prepare students for in-demand careers.

The proposal comes amid growing concern about workforce shortages in the skilled trades and a renewed focus on practical education opportunities that connect students directly to career pathways.

“Requiring shop class is about giving students real opportunities to discover skills they may not otherwise be exposed to and putting them on a path toward meaningful, family-sustaining careers,” said Brown. “What we heard during our workforce development hearing made it clear increasing awareness of the trades and expanding hands-on learning are essential to closing workforce gaps and strengthening Pennsylvania’s economy.”

Brown said the effort builds on conversations and feedback gathered during a recent House Republican Policy Committee hearing she hosted in Lawrence County, which focused on strengthening workforce development in Pennsylvania’s trades. The hearing, titled “Built in Pennsylvania: Workforce Development in the Trades,” brought together educators, employers and labor leaders to discuss solutions to workforce gaps and ways to increase awareness of trade careers.

Participants highlighted the value of career and technical education programs while also identifying challenges in expanding access and student participation. Testifiers and lawmakers agreed greater exposure to hands-on learning at earlier grade levels could play a critical role in addressing those challenges.

Brown noted schools, employers and labor organizations all play an important role in preparing the next generation of workers, and stronger collaboration between those groups will be key to long-term success.

Representative Marla Brown
9th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Rick Leiner
717.260.6437 (office), 717.497.8478 (cell)
Rleiner@pahousegop.com
RepMarlaBrown.com / facebook.com/RepMarlaBrown