HARRISBURG – Senators Camera Bartolotta (R-46) and Jim Brewster (D-45) are working to expand job training programs to a broader number of Pennsylvanians by introducing a bipartisan bill allowing Private Licensed Schools to create branch campuses in different counties.
Under current law, technical schools can only establish branch campuses within the same county as the primary site. The Senators’ legislation would eliminate this restriction and allow counties to create branch campuses in other counties within 60 miles of the primary location.
Bartolotta, who chairs the Senate Labor and Industry Committee, said that the bill could play an important role in supporting Pennsylvania’s workforce development efforts by helping more state residents access job training programs.
“The current approach to branch campuses robs many Pennsylvanians of an opportunity to advance their education and train for family-sustaining careers,” Bartolotta said. “We should be encouraging schools to expand quality job training programs throughout the state instead of hampering their ability to strengthen our workforce.”
Current restrictions would require a school to go through the costly and time-consuming process of securing another independent license for a second, out-of-county location.
“This bill will create opportunities for private licensed schools to expand beyond the host county and will afford opportunities for valuable training for our education system,” Brewster said.
CONTACT: Colleen Greer (717) 787-1463