Rep. Marla Brown announced on Apr. 1 her intention to introduce legislation that would require all Pennsylvania students in grades six through twelve to participate in shop class. The proposal aims to expand hands-on learning and better prepare students for careers that are currently in high demand.
The initiative addresses ongoing concerns about shortages in the skilled trades workforce and emphasizes the importance of practical education opportunities that connect students directly with career pathways.
“Requiring shop class is about giving students real opportunities to discover skills they may not otherwise be exposed to and putting them on a path toward meaningful, family-sustaining careers,” Brown said. “What we heard during our workforce development hearing made it clear increasing awareness of the trades and expanding hands-on learning are essential to closing workforce gaps and strengthening Pennsylvania’s economy.”
Brown said her effort builds on feedback gathered during a recent House Republican Policy Committee hearing she hosted in Lawrence County, which focused on strengthening workforce development in Pennsylvania’s trades. The event, titled “Built in Pennsylvania: Workforce Development in the Trades,” brought together educators, employers, and labor leaders who discussed solutions for workforce gaps and ways to increase awareness of trade careers.
Participants at the hearing highlighted both the value of career and technical education programs as well as challenges related to expanding access and student participation. Testifiers agreed that greater exposure to hands-on learning at earlier grade levels could play an important role in addressing these issues.
Brown noted that schools, employers, and labor organizations each have an important role preparing future workers, saying stronger collaboration among these groups will be key for long-term success.
