Introduction
In summer 2026, students in five Central Pennsylvania counties will have the chance to fast-track their futures through a hands-on electrical construction pre-apprenticeship program. This initiative, funded by a $103,592 grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry, is a bold step toward closing the gap between high school and high-demand careers.
What Is a Pre-Apprenticeship Program?
Definition and Goals
A pre-apprenticeship is a career readiness program that:
- Introduces students to trade skills
- Offers foundational knowledge and certifications
- Prepares participants for registered apprenticeships
Difference Between Pre-Apprenticeship and Apprenticeship
| Feature | Pre-Apprenticeship | Registered Apprenticeship |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | Short-term (Weeks to Months) | Long-term (1–5 Years) |
| Payment | Usually unpaid | Paid on-the-job training |
| Focus | Basic skills, job readiness | Advanced skills, full employment |
| Entry Requirement | High school student or graduate | Often requires pre-apprenticeship or experience |
Why This Matters for High School Students
This program:
- Eliminates the “What now?” question after high school
- Offers an alternative to college debt
- Empowers students to earn credentials while still in school
Participating Counties in Central PA
The following counties are included in the program:
| County | Population (2023 est.) | Youth (Under 18) | Median Household Income | Unemployment Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Centre | 158,000+ | 22.6% | $68,200+ | 3.5% |
| Clinton | 37,000+ | 20.8% | $55,100+ | 4.6% |
| Lycoming | 113,000+ | 21.2% | $58,400+ | 4.9% |
| Northumberland | 91,000+ | 19.5% | $52,700+ | 5.2% |
| Union | 45,000+ | 18.9% | $62,000+ | 3.8% |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts
Advance Central PA: The Driving Force
Who They Are
Advance Central PA is a workforce development organization for Central PA’s labor market, guiding people into sustainable employment.
Key Achievements
- Served 10,000+ job seekers annually
- Connected 1,200+ employers to qualified workers
- Facilitated over 15 workforce training initiatives in the past 3 years
Why They Won the Grant
Out of dozens of applicants statewide, Advance Central PA stood out due to:
- Proven track record of removing barriers to employment
- Deep-rooted community partnerships
- Ability to implement job-ready programs quickly
Schools-to-Work Grant Program
About the Grant
- Funded by the PA Department of Labor & Industry
- Designed to create school-to-career pipelines
- $103,592 awarded to this specific program
Program Objectives
- Increase exposure to the trades
- Boost youth employment rates
- Provide pathways to Registered Apprenticeship programs
Curriculum Breakdown
The curriculum is crafted to blend technical training with essential life skills.
Key Components
- ✅ Electrical Wiring & Installation
- ✅ Blueprint Reading
- ✅ Workplace Safety (OSHA 10 Certification)
- ✅ Math for Electricians
- ✅ Career Readiness Workshops
- ✅ Time Management & Communication Skills
Credentialing Opportunities
| Certification | Industry Value | Provider |
|---|---|---|
| OSHA 10 | Safety Qualification | OSHA |
| NCCER Core | Construction Readiness | National Center for Construction Education and Research |
| First Aid/CPR | Emergency Response | American Red Cross |
Partner Organizations
Williamsport Joint Apprenticeship & Training Committee (JATC)
- Offers certified apprenticeship training in trades
- Will provide instructors and mentors
IBEW Local 812
- Representing unionized electrical workers
- Jim Beamer, Business Manager, has played a key role in planning
💬 “We’re building more than just electricians we’re building futures.” Jim Beamer
PA CareerLink®
- Will host employability skills workshops
- Help students build resumes, job interview skills, and job search tools
Benefits of the Program
For Students
- 🎓 Earn certifications before graduating
- 💼 Learn real-world, in-demand skills
- 🔄 Transition smoothly into apprenticeships or employment
- 💰 Avoid student debt
For Employers
- 🔌 Access to pre-trained talent
- 📉 Reduced onboarding costs
- 🔧 Skills aligned with industry needs
Long-Term Economic Impact
Regional Labor Market Projections
| Industry | Expected Growth (2024–2030) | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical Construction | +7% | $62,000 |
| Skilled Trades | +9% | $58,000 |
| Energy & Infrastructure | +11% | $65,000 |
Community Outcomes
- 🌆 Boost in local employment rates
- 📈 Reduction in youth unemployment
- 🏗️ Revitalization of rural economies
How to Apply
Conclusion
With this electrical construction pre-apprenticeship, Central PA is giving students a serious head start. It’s a smart, strategic, and practical solution to workforce challenges, and more importantly, it gives young people a real opportunity.
Whether you’re a student, parent, educator, or employer, this program is worth your attention. The future is electric. Let’s power it together.
FAQs
Q1: Is this program only for students interested in electrical work?
While focused on electrical construction, the skills learned, like blueprint reading and workplace safety, apply to multiple trades.
Q2: Will students earn money during the program?
No, this is a pre-apprenticeship. However, it leads directly to paid registered apprenticeships with higher starting wages.
Q3: How many students will be accepted?
The program aims to start with 30–50 students in the first cohort.
Q4: Will transportation or meals be provided?
Advance Central PA is working with local schools and community partners to help cover transportation and food for participants.
Q5: What happens after completing the program?
Students will be connected to one or more of the following:
Paid apprenticeships (e.g., with IBEW)
Entry-level electrical or trade jobs
Technical colleges or trade schools
Q6: Can out-of-county students apply?
Not for this cohort. Only residents of the five participating counties are eligible.
Q7: Is there a cost for students or families?
No, the program is fully funded by the Schools-to-Work grant.
Q8: Are there similar programs in other fields?
Yes! Schools-to-Work also funds pre-apprenticeships in healthcare, manufacturing, and logistics.