Strategic_Planning

Contact: Kristi Pronovost
Director of Marketing & Communications
717.653.8106 or kristi@abckeystone.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – February 5, 2019

(MANHEIM, PA.) Insight PA Cyber Charter School (ISPA) and Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Keystone Chapter will provide high school students with a pre-apprenticeship in the construction trades (electrical, HVAC, carpentry, construction craft laborer, heavy equipment, sheet metal, and plumbing) to address the critical workforce shortage in the construction industry.

ISPA students will receive instruction from ABC Keystone apprenticeship instructors in the areas of basic safety, construction math, hand tools, power tools, blueprint reading, basic communications, employability skills, material handling, and basic rigging. ABC Keystone will use curriculum from the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) that aligns to the ABC Keystone US Dept. of Labor registered apprenticeship program.

Barry King, Director of Career and Technical Education, Insight PA, said, “We are pleased to offer ISPA students a pre-apprenticeship program with an industry leader such as ABC Keystone. By partnering with ABC Keystone, we will provide students a promising career pathway while helping to address the skills gap shortage in the construction industry.”

ABC Keystone Chapter is thrilled to be a part of this precedent-setting partnership, said David Sload, President-CEO, ABC Keystone. “Insight PA is leading the way for cyber charter schools by providing access to hands-on trades programming for their students.  Students that complete the ‘Career Ready ABC Pre-Apprenticeship’ will leave with the skills that are very attractive to industry employers.”

Students who complete pre-apprenticeship will be eligible for a work-based learning experience with one of ABC Keystone’s 550 members during the summer or during the school year.  Students will receive credit for both the pre-apprenticeship and work-based learning experience, and those who attain permanent employment may be enrolled in ABC apprenticeship program which provides more extensive training in earn-while-you-learn programs.

One of ABC Keystone’s top priorities is developing a skilled workforce through educating apprentices to address the shortage of workers in the construction field.

Insight PA Cyber Charter School is a public, virtual school that offers career and technical education in business/accounting, IT/Programming, health professions, and now training in the construction field.

Any employers, parents, and students interested in this program may please contact Barry King, CTE Administrator, Insight PA (bking@k12.com) or Stephanie Larkin, VP Education, Safety & Workforce Development, ABC Keystone (stephanie@abckeystone.org)  for more information.

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The Keystone Chapter of Associated Builders & Contractors (ABC) is a construction trade association based in Manheim, Pennsylvania, representing nearly 550 construction-related firms. Founded on the merit shop philosophy, ABC and its 69 chapters nationwide help members win work and deliver that work safely, ethically, and profitably for the betterment of the communities in which they work. Visit us at www.abckeystone.org.