As a guidance counselor, you play an important role in helping students discover career paths that match their interests, strengths, and goals.
While college is the right choice for many students, others thrive in hands-on careers where they can begin earning, learning, and building a successful future immediately after high school.
The skilled trades offer rewarding opportunities with competitive wages, long-term job security, and multiple pathways into the workforce. The YBA Workforce NOW Foundation is committed to helping students in York County explore these opportunities through career awareness, hands-on experiences, and connections with local employers.
Whether you’re helping a student who already knows they want to work in construction or someone who simply enjoys working with their hands, we’re here to help.
Why Encourage Students to Explore the Building Trades?
- Strong demand for skilled workers
- Nearly 3 million skilled trade positions need to be filled by 2028
- Multiple pathways beyond a four-year degree
- Paid apprenticeships
- Local career opportunities
- Entrepreneurship potential
Did You Know?
Many construction managers, business owners, and industry leaders began their careers as apprentices or entry-level tradespeople.
Signs a Student May Thrive in the Skilled Trades
Students who enjoy:
✔ Working with their hands
✔ Solving practical problems
✔ Building or fixing things
✔ Learning by doing
✔ Working outdoors
✔ Seeing tangible results
✔ Team-based environments
may find the skilled trades to be an excellent career fit.
Career Exploration Resources Available Through YBA Workforce NOW
Building Trades Pre-Apprenticeship Program
In partnership with the York County Alliance for Learning (YCAL), YBA’s Workforce NOW Foundation developed the building trades pre-apprenticeship program to help rebuild the skilled trades workforce in York County and offer future construction professionals the opportunity to build their skill sets and gain first-hand experience before joining the workforce.
The program is open to 11th & 12th grade students of YCAL partner schools. The program is registered through the PA Department of Labor and Industry’s Apprenticeship and Training Office. Students learn valuable workplace skills such as safety protocols (including OSHA 10), tool handling, communication, teamwork, and basic construction techniques. Specific building trade skills include carpentry, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, electrical, masonry drywall and tile installation.
Learn More
Construction Career Days
Construction Career Days give local high school students the opportunity to explore the many career paths available within the construction industry through real-world experiences. Hosted by participating construction companies across York County, these events allow students to visit active workplaces, learn about different trades, and see firsthand how projects come together.
By connecting students directly with local employers, Construction Career Days help bridge the gap between the classroom and the workforce while showcasing the rewarding careers available right here in our community.
Learn more about Construction Career Days
Building Trades Career Fair
This annual event is an opportunity for local high school students to get up close with tools, equipment, and demonstrations. It’s a chance to see firsthand what careers like carpentry, plumbing, HVAC, masonry, and electrical work actually look like in the real world.
Students can speak to local employers to ask questions, learn about different career paths, and connect with organizations that may offer apprenticeships, on-the-job training and more.
Training and Job Opportunities
The YBA Workforce NOW Foundation website provides information and resources on companies in York, PA and the surrounding areas that offer on-the-job training, mentorships, internships, apprenticeships, job shadowing and company funded training.
Learn More
Resources for Parents
In addition to providing information and resources for students, the YBA Workforce NOW Foundation website also provides helpful information for parents, teachers and guidance counselors.
Learn More
Questions to Help Students Explore Career Interests
Instead of asking:
“What do you want to be?”
Try asking:
- What school subjects do you enjoy most?
- Do you enjoy solving problems?
- Do you like building or repairing things?
- Would you rather work indoors, outdoors, or both?
- Do you enjoy seeing the results of your work?
- Would you rather learn by doing than sitting in a classroom?
Those questions naturally lead into the trades.
Stay Connected
Educators play an important role in helping students explore career paths that align with their skills & preferences. We invite you to stay connected with us and help build our future workforce in York County!
