SCC Invests in York Workforce Development

To fuel regional economic growth and build a local talent pipeline, Southeast Community College is partnering with York Public Schools, the York County Development Corporation, and area employers to build a new Learning and Workforce Development Center adjacent to York High School. This collaborative investment expands access to hands-on training close to home, enabling high school students, adult learners, and upskilling workers to earn industry recognized credentials in high-demand fields like advanced manufacturing, automation, and healthcare.

“York has always had people willing to invest in the next generation,” said Dr. Paul Illich, SCC president. “With this Center, a high school student can earn college credit next door to their classroom, a working parent can train for a better job without leaving town, and local employers can hire people who trained right here. That’s a different picture of what a community college can be, and it’s one we’re building across our 15 counties.”

The Center will serve as a cornerstone for workforce innovation and will provide:

· A head start for high school students. Students from York Public Schools and the surrounding area will be able to earn dual credit and industry certifications before they graduate.

· Career options for adult learners. Career changers and anyone ready for a better-paying job can train for in-demand careers without leaving the area.

· Career advancement for current workers. Those working in manufacturing and healthcare can sharpen their skills and move up the career ladder through continuing education and advanced training.

· A skilled workforce for local industries. Employers across the region can partner with SCC for customized training built around their needs.

In addition, the Center will become the new home of the York Learning Center which offers credit and continuing education classes, personal interest classes, Adult Education GED and ESL classes, testing services, and a front door to all opportunities offered by SCC.

“This is a non-traditional approach to education,” said Dr. Mitch Bartholomew, York Public Schools superintendent. “We have been in talks with SCC for quite some time about the chance for us to partner with local industry to build a skilled workforce. The healthcare and

manufacturing industries were projecting this workforce shortage as long as 15 years ago. It’s time we address it.”

The vision is simple: a future-ready York workforce, built by putting education and industry at the same table in order to train a workforce with the skills employers need today and tomorrow.

“We plan to serve students, workers, and employers in this building for decades,” Illich explained. “Doing more for the communities in our service area means showing up where people live and work, and that’s what this is.”