Brubaker Introduces Workforce Development Legislation
HARRISBURG – Sen. Mike Brubaker (R-36) introduced legislation today that would support the Commonwealth’s workforce development efforts by continuing the Industry Partnerships program.
The Industry Partnerships program, which was created in 2005, brings together employers, educators and workforce representatives to ensure that workers and job-seekers are receiving the training they need to keep pace with the growing demands of Pennsylvania businesses. The program allows a cluster of businesses and organizations within a single industry to collaborate to identify and address common workforce needs.
Senate Bill 1409 would amend Pennsylvania’s Workforce Development Act to codify the Industry Partnerships program within the Department of Labor and Industry.
“The Industry Partnerships program has been very successful for both employers and employees, and we should continue to offer this program in the future to build a strong, skilled workforce,” Brubaker said. “It is vital to ensure that Pennsylvania workers have the knowledge and skills they need to keep state businesses competitive in a global marketplace, and this program offers our workforce the tools they need to be competitive and marketable to employers.”
Senate Bill 1409 would also include the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture as a participating agency to promote Industry Partnerships in agriculture and agribusiness. Brubaker noted that the Lancaster County Workforce Investment Board has been very successful in bringing together agriculture educators, the agriculture community and agribusiness to address specific workforce needs in the industry, and similar Industry Partnerships could benefit the agriculture industry across the state.
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, more than 6,300 businesses have taken part in more than 80 partnerships throughout the state, and more than 70,000 workers have received training through the program.
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CONTACT: Kristin Crawford (717) 787-4420
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