The Keystone Contractors Association (KCA) joined the construction industry in supporting legislation to establish the PA WORKS Scholarship Program (Workforce, Opportunity, Retention and Knowledge Scholarship Program).
The program is a new initiative designed to address Pennsylvania‘s growing construction workforce shortage. It was introduced by Republican Education Chairman Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster).
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According to a release, the PA WORKS Scholarship Program would create a direct pipeline from education to employment by allowing eligible businesses to direct tax credits toward scholarships for students enrolled in construction-and skilled-trades-related programs through accredited construction management, safety or building science programs. With approximately 260,000 construction workers in Pennsylvania, the urgency to support students pursuing construction-related degrees grows with every retirement, per the release.
“Representative Cutler’s PA WORKS Scholarship Program is a smart, targeted investment that helps students access high-demand careers while ensuring employers have the skilled workforce they need,” KCA Executive Director Jon O’Brien said in a statement. “Pennsylvania’s construction industry is facing a critical workforce shortage that threatens our ability to meet infrastructure, housing and economic development needs.”
More than 75% of Pennsylvania construction companies have reported difficulty filling open positions. PA WORKS Scholarship Program seeks to expand access to family-sustaining careers in the construction industry by reducing financial barriers for students pursuing technical and professional degrees.
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“The backbone of our economy is built by skilled hands and informed minds. Like our apprenticeship programs, scholarships empower students to enter construction with confidence and technical excellence – and that strengthens every jobsite in America,” said William Sproule, executive secretary-treasurer, Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters.
Said Jesse DiRenna, business manager, Operating Engineers Local 66, “Scholarships open the door for talent that might otherwise be left out. By supporting young people pursuing construction degrees, we grow a workforce that’s stronger, more diverse, and equipped to meet the challenges of tomorrow’s jobs.”
KCA President Joseph Orr III said the legislation recognizes that workforce development starts with education.
“If we are serious about building Pennsylvania’s future, we must invest in the students preparing to lead it,” said Orr. “Scholarships for construction degree students strengthen our workforce pipeline, raise safety and quality standards and ensure our industry has the talent it needs to deliver complex projects for decades to come.”
Supporters of the measure say the proposal goes beyond traditional financial aid by directly linking employers, schools and students. By using tax credits to fund scholarships, businesses would be able to invest in the next generation of craft professionals while helping shape training to match real jobsite needs.
Construction economists warn that Pennsylvania faces an accelerating retirement wave, with thousands of experienced tradespeople expected to leave the workforce over the next decade. Without new entrants, project costs and timelines could be affected, particularly for public infrastructure and housing initiatives. Advocates believe the PA WORKS program could become a model for other states seeking to align education policy with workforce demand.
Originally reported by Ed Gruver in LVB.
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