The YBA Workforce NOW Foundation is proud to share the success of its first Adult Workforce Training Program in the construction sector. This initiative was born from a Request for Proposals issued by the York County Economic Alliance (YCEA) in collaboration with the County of York and the York County Planning Commission. The goal: to establish a residential construction training program that supports the Whole Home Repair Program while creating new pathways to in-demand careers in the trades.
Over the summer of 2025, the Foundation trained a cohort of 11 adult students, ranging in age from 22 to 62. Meeting three evenings a week over four to five weeks, participants, both men and women, gained valuable skills in:
- Safety protocols, including CPR and OSHA-10
- Tool handling and construction basics
- Hands-on training in carpentry, framing, insulation, and drywall
Just like the Foundation’s successful pre-apprenticeship program for high school students, the Adult Program equips participants with practical, career-ready skills while strengthening the local builder community.
The interest has already exceeded capacity, with a waitlist of potential students eager to enroll. The Foundation is committed to growing this program in the future but is currently seeking a dedicated training location to accommodate expansion, since its existing space is fully utilized by the pre-apprenticeship program.
This new initiative marks an important step forward in further addressing York County’s shortage of skilled workers while helping residents build stable, rewarding careers in construction.
