On April 28, the York Builders Association Workforce NOW Foundation had the honor of testifying before the Pennsylvania House Democratic Policy Committee during a public hearing on community-based workforce centers.
Hosted at the York County School of Technology by Rep. Carol Hill-Evans, the hearing focused on the growing need for accessible, hands-on career training—and the urgent funding challenges that come with it.
Melissa Longenberger, Executive Director of the YBA Workforce NOW Foundation, joined fellow workforce leaders to share insight into the Foundation’s efforts to prepare the next generation for careers in the skilled trades. She emphasized the impact of partnerships between schools, employers, and community organizations in offering students meaningful exposure to the building industry.
The hearing also spotlighted a new piece of proposed legislation: House Bill 455, the Building a Better Future Grant Program, introduced by Rep. Hill-Evans. If passed, the bill would provide financial support to organizations that offer both high school equivalency instruction and career training for young Pennsylvanians aged 16–24—particularly those who have been disconnected from traditional educational systems.
The legislation would prioritize high-need career sectors, including construction, building trades, healthcare, and childcare—areas where workforce shortages are already being felt across the Commonwealth.
Rep. Hill-Evans stated:
“Investing in workforce development is an investment in people… supporting programs like these across the state will lead to economic resiliency for individuals and communities alike.”
At YBA Workforce NOW, we believe strongly in the power of early exposure, mentorship, and real-world experience. Our Construction Career Days, Building Trades Career Fairs, scholarship programs, and Pennsylvania State Registered Pre-Apprenticeship Program are designed to open doors and inspire confidence. But continued progress depends on intentional investment and policy support.
We are deeply grateful to Rep. Hill-Evans and the House Democratic Policy Committee for recognizing the value of community-based workforce initiatives and creating space for local voices to be heard.
Want to learn more about the Building a Better Future Grant Program?
Read the full press release from the House Policy Committee https://pahouse.com/PolicyCommittee/InTheNews/NewsRelease/?id=138335
Follow us for updates as we continue working to strengthen the workforce pipeline here in York County.