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Scranton’s New Legislation Boosts Workforce Development

Students in Scranton learning about manufacturing career opportunities.

News Summary

U.S. Representative Rob Bresnahan has introduced the Training and Nutrition Stability Act in Scranton, aimed at enhancing workforce development and ensuring food security. The act addresses a loophole in the SNAP program that disqualifies individuals engaged in unpaid job training from receiving food benefits. With support from local organizations and a $200,000 investment from the Shapiro Administration, programs will connect students with manufacturing careers and provide essential skills for future job opportunities.

Scranton, Pennsylvania Takes a Big Step Toward Workforce Development and Food Security

In a move that promises to shake things up for job seekers in Scranton and throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania, U.S. Representative Rob Bresnahan has unveiled a brand new piece of legislation known as the Training and Nutrition Stability Act. This act aims to encourage learn-as-you-go job training programs in an effort to enhance workforce development opportunities.

Bridging Job Training and Nutrition Benefits

The big idea behind the Training and Nutrition Stability Act is to tackle a troublesome loophole that has been around since the 2018 Farm Bill. Under this bill, only paid on-the-job training was seen as allowable under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Employment and Training (SNAP E&T) program. This meant that many eager learners who wanted to engage in training without any income were automatically deemed ineligible for much-needed food benefits. In simple terms, if you were trying to boost your skills, you might find yourself jeopardizing your food aid, forcing you to pick between training or having enough to eat.

Addressing the Skilled Workforce Shortage

Officials, as well as Rep. Bresnahan, have made it clear that there is a skilled workforce shortage in our region. This issue has left many local employers struggling to find the right talent for their business needs. Bresnahan has pointed out that taking part in learn-as-you-earn programs should not put individuals at odds with their need for nutritional support.

What’s more, this legislation not only has the support of Bresnahan but is also co-sponsored by U.S. Representative Adriana Espaillat from New York. This bipartisan effort shows that the importance of workforce development and food security transcends political lines.

Support from Local Organizations

The Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO) has voiced its support for this legislation. The CEO’s Executive Director has underlined how crucial SNAP benefits are for people entering job training programs. It appears that, often, when individuals start training, their benefits take a hit, which can create unnecessary stress during a delicate time of transition.

Investment in Future Generations

Away from the corridors of Congress, the Shapiro Administration is also putting its money where its mouth is when it comes to supporting workforce development. A hefty $200,000 investment is set to boost manufacturing-focused career programs, thanks to the Manufacturing PA Training-to-Career (MTTC) grant program. This funding will bolster the initiatives of Junior Achievement of Northeastern Pennsylvania aimed at local middle and high school students.

Students in various counties, including Bradford, Carbon, and Luzerne, will be exposed to exciting new opportunities. This initiative will help them understand the kinds of skills and education required to pursue advanced manufacturing careers. Nothing like planting the seeds for future success!

Connecting Students and Employers

Junior Achievement will be teaming up with the Northeastern Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center (NEPIRC) to create career exposure pathways. This partnership will enable students to connect with regional manufacturing employers, opening doors to job shadows, internships, and even employment opportunities. It’s all about giving young people a firsthand look at what a career in manufacturing could look like.

The President of Junior Achievement has expressed tremendous gratitude for this funding. The focus on exposing students to real-world manufacturing sector opportunities is not only timely but essential as more young individuals are looking for solid careers.

Skills for All

The upcoming programs will teach essential skills that are valuable in the manufacturing industry, paving the way for students to thrive whether they decide to go to college or enter the workforce straight after high school. A commitment to building a robust workforce lies at the heart of these initiatives.

As these new efforts unfold, everything indicates that Northeastern Pennsylvania may soon see a revitalized workforce, ready to take on new challenges while ensuring food security remains a priority.