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By: Stephanie Larkin, VP of Education, Safety & Workforce Development

School is back in session, and that means workforce development opportunities are in full swing. September featured the start of a new pre-apprenticeship class and a new proprietary curriculum, Safety 360. This enhanced program is designed to increase a student’s exposure to applied math and provide additional context to construction safety, taking the total program hours from 60 to 84. Graduates will receive a completion certificate from ABC Keystone and an OSHA 30-Hour Construction credential. The fall class is also piloting a new schedule that divides training into two-hour segments, three days a week.

ABC Keystone P-A Connection Pre-Apprenticeship Logo

The Fall Construction Wars events concluded the first week of October. More than 150 students from 16 different schools took advantage of the hands-on career awareness and exposure opportunity. Many thanks to our new carpentry sponsor, Bench Dogs, for preparing and providing our benches, and to our faithful station sponsors: H. L. Wiker, James Craft & Son, Inc., Brubaker, Inc./HAJOCA, and The Witmer Group. And of course, a huge shout out to our volunteers and group leaders, without whom this event wouldn’t be possible or nearly as fun! Please mark your calendars for the Spring dates: March 29, 30 and 31, 2022.

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As the labor shortage continues to plague our industry, access to an ever-wider group of workers is vital. ABC Keystone is partnering with local workforce development boards to recruit and educate persons returning from the criminal justice system. Many correctional facilities run trade programs, and returning citizens can provide a new source of talent. In the coming months, ABC Keystone will be sharing information and providing seminars so your company can recruit and retain these individuals.


Posted November 19, 2021