For Immediate Release
June 2, 2010
Contact: Nathan Flood
717-787-4420
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A Conversation with Senator Brubaker

Brubaker to Introduce Workforce Development Legislation

In 2005, the General Assembly introduced an Industry Partnerships program that 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.

Since the program’s creation, Industry Partnerships have been extremely successful for both employers and workers. Workers who received training through Industry Partnerships reported average wage increases of more than 6.5 percent in the first year and nearly 13 percent overall, and 75 percent of businesses reported that Industry Partnerships and job training have helped them significantly increase their productivity. 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. This vital training ensures that members of our workforce are properly trained for skilled job positions that provide family-sustaining wages.

Industry Partnerships ensure that the Commonwealth is utilizing resources to wisely invest in competitive industries and businesses that will benefit state or regional economies, as well as ensure that job training efforts lead to quality employment. Industry Partnerships can identify skill gaps that exist in the workforce, provide job training, work to maximize educational resources, promote locally successful career pathways and enhance human resource strategies that are right for specific regions and industries.

The program is targeted to skilled, high-paying jobs, such as education, manufacturing, energy, building and construction, financial services, agriculture and food production and transportation. By focusing on in-demand occupations, Industry Partnerships offer workers a path to higher wages and family-sustaining employment while helping to increase productivity for participating employers.

Due to the overwhelming success of Industry Partnerships in Pennsylvania, I am introducing legislation that would allow the state to continue this program. My legislation would amend Pennsylvania’s Workforce Development Act to establish the program within the Department of Labor and Industry. Codifying this program in the Department of Labor and Industry will ensure Pennsylvania businesses and workers can continue to benefit from this program in the future.

The economy is constantly evolving, and it is essential to ensure that Pennsylvania workers have the knowledge and skills they need to keep state businesses competitive in a global marketplace. It is also important to ensure that workers have the proper skills to transition to new jobs when the need arises due to downsizing or layoffs. I am hopeful that this program will continue to give Pennsylvania workers the skills they need to be competitive and marketable to potential employers.

Capitol Art Exhibit Features Pennsylvania Artists

On June 15, original artwork created by 30 Pennsylvania artists will be on display at the Capitol Building in Harrisburg as part of the American Spirit Exhibit. The artwork will be on display in the Capitol Rotunda from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. All artwork shown will be available for purchase after the exhibit by contacting the artist and gallery.

This exhibit will feature some of the state’s most talented artists, and the event offers a wonderful opportunity to view the original artwork of Pennsylvania artists in an intimate setting. I would encourage district residents to make plans to attend.