This funding is part of a broader effort by the Department of Labor & Industry to support the creation and expansion of 11 Schools-to-Work programs across the Commonwealth. These programs are designed to bridge classroom learning with real-world career opportunities, aligning student training with in-demand industries and workforce needs.
Locally, the YBA Workforce NOW Foundation’s program is helping bring that vision to life by connecting high school students with hands-on training, industry-recognized credentials, and direct pathways into the construction and building trades.
The Building Trades Pre-Apprenticeship Program was developed through a strategic partnership between the Workforce NOW Foundation and the York County Alliance for Learning (YCAL). Together, the organizations created a program designed to rebuild the skilled trades workforce in York County while providing students with hands-on training, industry-recognized credentials, and direct connections to local employers.
The program is a Pennsylvania State Registered Pre-Apprenticeship through the Department of Labor & Industry’s Apprenticeship and Training Office (ATO), ensuring it meets established workforce development standards. It utilizes the nationally recognized Home Builders Institute (HBI) Pre-Apprenticeship Certificate Training (PACT) curriculum, which combines classroom instruction with contextual, work-based learning.
Through the program, students develop both technical and professional skills essential for success in the construction industry. Training includes workplace fundamentals such as safety protocols (including OSHA 10 certification), tool handling, communication, teamwork, and jobsite readiness. Students also gain exposure to a wide range of building trades, including carpentry, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, masonry, drywall, and tile installation.
Since launching as a pilot program in September 2022, more than 100 students from 13 area high schools have successfully completed the program. It is offered at no cost to participants and is open to 11th and 12th grade students, making it an accessible pathway for those exploring careers in the trades.
Graduates earn multiple industry-recognized credentials, including OSHA 10 Certification, HBI PACT Core Certification, and a Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry Certificate for Registered Pre-Apprenticeships. Many participants go on to secure apprenticeships or full-time employment with local companies.
As the program enters its next phase, the YBA Workforce NOW Foundation is expanding its impact with a second-year pathway designed to bridge the gap between high school training and full-time employment or registered apprenticeship programs. This enhanced structure will provide students with additional real-world exposure, career exploration, and professional development opportunities.
The second-year experience will include job-shadowing with local contractors and industry partners, along with structured work-based learning opportunities such as internships and co-op placements. These experiences will allow students to build relationships with potential employers, gain hands-on insight into jobsite expectations, and, in some cases, accelerate their transition into registered apprenticeship programs after graduation.
“Our local builders and contractors need skilled talent,” said Melissa Longenberger, Executive Director of the YBA Workforce NOW Foundation. “This program is delivering exactly that. This funding helps us expand opportunities for students while directly supporting the workforce needs of our industry.”
The program continues to play a critical role in addressing workforce shortages in the construction industry by introducing students to high-demand careers and providing a direct pipeline from education to employment.
About YBA Workforce NOW® Foundation
The YBA Workforce NOW Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness and connecting future construction industry professionals with the opportunities available to them in the local building industry. To learn more, contact the Foundation at 717-767-2444 or visit www.ybaworkforcenow.com.
About York County Alliance for Learning (YCAL)
The York County Alliance for Learning is a non-profit organization that works with businesses and schools to provide career education, relevant academic experiences, and work-based learning to York County students. YCAL is a non-profit organization under the 501(c)(3) regulations. YCAL is supported in part by corporate donations; any investment is tax-exempt. YCAL is an approved Education Improvement Organization under the Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program. For more information, and opportunities to help support YCAL’s mission, please visit www.ycal.us or contact Executive Director Kevin Appnel at kappnel@ycal.us
