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For Immediate Release
June 16, 2010
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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.
CONTACT:
Kristin Crawford
(717) 787-4420 | 
