Congressman Ryan Costello held a roundtable discussion with employers and educators from Chester County on Friday, September 15.

Hosted by the Chester County Economic Development Council, the discussion focused on the educational and skill requirements employers have for new hires as well the various pathways available to prepare workers.

Costello updated the group on status of the reauthorization of the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act (Perkins Act) that has often provided support for career and technical education.

The law was last updated in 2006 and this reauthorization is an effort to not only modernize and improve the law to better meet the needs of employers, educators, and job seekers but also address changes over the past 11 years such as technological advances, shifting employer needs, and changes to the composition of our workforce.

Delaware County Community College and the Technical College High School – Brandywine both shared how their Perkins-supported services are currently providing students with options for technical skill training.

While still in high school students are earning college credits which are often linked to two-year and four-year degree programs.

Bill Ronayne, President and CEO of Brandywine Heating and Air Conditioning, employs technically skilled workers who must interface with the public to repair residential units.

He therefore noted the significant need for both employees and future workers to have business critical skills, often referred to as “soft skills.” Kirk Putt, President of R-V Industries noted that incumbent worker training is required because of the ever changes technological needs of not only manufacturing but most industries.

The group agreed that there is a need to prepare students at the middle school level by providing onsite career exploration opportunities that allows them to explore a multitude of career opportunities.  Additionally, they concurred that any additional accountability for program requirements should directly relate to the outcomes required of our future workforce.

Putt noted that “The CCEDC has done an excellent job of highlighting the workforce needs of manufacturers in Chester County. The roundtable today with Congressman Costello reinforced the importance of ensuring our regional educational institutions, businesses, government and CCEDC are aligned with the workforce needs.

Congressman Costello’s efforts to understand and promote funding for technical education and training is very encouraging for those of us facing the workforce challenges of finding, developing, and retaining skilled manufacturing talent.”