(The Center Square) – Orleans Technical college celebrated its 50 year anniversary with a visit from state and local leaders, including Department of Labor and Industry Secretary Nancy Walker.
Together, they unveiled a newly renovated campus.
The school, a nonprofit program run by JEVS Human Services, offers career and technical education, or CTE, in Philadelphia. Degree and certification programs offered by Orleans include fields like construction, HVAC, plumbing, electrical work, and health care. It first opened its doors in 1974, offering clerical training to women.
“Orleans Technical College plays a vital role in helping Pennsylvanians build rewarding, family-sustaining careers through hands-on training and industry-recognized credentials,” said Walker.
The school is one of many benefiting from increased funding for workforce development across the commonwealth, a sum of over $65 million over the past two years. The $1.3 million renovation was supported by a $500,000 grant from the state’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program.
Renovations include upgraded training labs, improved security, new collaborative workspaces, student lounges, and a modernized atrium.
“We’re excited to see what Orleans Tech accomplishes in the next 50 years to strengthen Pennsylvania’s workforce and help more families achieve economic mobility,” said Walker.
Walker was joined by JEVS President and CEO Cynthia Figueroa who expressed gratitude to the administration and state Rep. Martina Walker, R-Philadelphia, for their support.“These efforts are a testament to our commitment to excellence and our belief in the transformative power of education and trades training.
CTE has been a focus for legislators in recent years as numbers of skilled trade workers have dwindled and pressure to solidify the state’s workforce has mounted. Even with higher investment, program funding lags far behind four-year colleges and universities.
Those working with the state’s Intermediate Units stress the importance of offering CTE to high school students. Advocates say unnecessary regulations make it difficult for schools to operate at their best.
Champions of schools like Orleans say that reducing the stigma around CTE is an important step to developing the workforce the state needs. Educating children at an early stage about options outside of a four-year academic degree is essential for creating a pathway.
“The Shapiro Administration is deeply committed to supporting skills-based hiring and ensuring that every career path — whether it requires a college degree or not — is valued and respected,” said Walker.