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For Immediate
Release
6/30/11
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Senate Sends Brubaker Industry
Partnerships Bill to Governor's Desk
Workforce development program included in 2011-12 state
budget
HARRISBURG – The Senate approved legislation today that would permanently
establish the Industry Partnerships program as part of the state's workforce
development strategy, according to the bill's sponsor Sen. Mike Brubaker
(R-36).
Senate Bill 552 would amend Pennsylvania's Workforce Development Act to
codify the Industry Partnerships program within the Department of Labor and
Industry. The Industry Partnerships program brings together employers, educators
and workforce representatives to ensure that workers and job-seekers have the
tools and training they need to keep pace with the growing demands of
Pennsylvania businesses.
In 2009 and 2010, more than 17,200 workers received training through the
program. Funding for the Industry Partnerships program was included in the state
budget passed by the Senate and House of Representatives this week.
"This program serves a dual purpose by supporting worker training and
identifying industry needs," Brubaker said. "Employers and employees who have
participated in this program have given their enthusiastic support for making
Industry Partnerships a permanent part of our workforce development strategy,
and I am thankful that my colleagues in the General Assembly have taken action
to ensure businesses and employees can benefit from this workforce development
program in the future."
The program allows a cluster of businesses and organizations within an
industry to work together to identify and address common workforce needs.
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, more than
118,000 workers have received training through the program since its creation in
2005. Workers who received training through the Industry Partnerships program
received an average 6.62 percent increase in wages in the first year following
training.
The Senate concurred in House amendments to Senate Bill 552, sending the
legislation to the governor to be signed into law.
Contact:
Kristin Crawford
(717) 787-4420
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