May 17—The Northeast PA Manufacturers & Employers Council hosted its annual YES Recognition Breakfast on May 10 at St. Nicholas Hall in Primrose.
The event saw a turnout of more than 270 attendees, including students, teachers, business professionals and legislators, according to a press release. Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity delivered the keynote address titled "Made in Pennsylvania."
"It was an honor to speak to the students, teachers and businesses participating in the YES program," Garrity said in the release. "YES gives students an incredible opportunity to prepare for life after high school. The partnership between the Northeast PA Manufacturers and Employers Council and area businesses is a fantastic way to prepare the next generation to not only get a foot in the door, but to thrive as members of our constantly evolving workforce. Congratulations to all of the graduates."
This year, the council's YES (your employability skills) program was offered by 20 schools, with 1,050 students enrolled in the program. Out of those enrolled, 225 students received the YES certificate.
The program aims to address the shortfall of basic skills that employers report seeing in many job applicants by covering 38 modules, including communication, team building, completing a job application and time management.
To earn the certification from the program, students must achieve passing scores on both the Test of Adult Basic Education and the Wonderlic Cognitive Ability Test; have an attendance rate of 95% or better; pass a six-panel drug screen; complete 120 hours of curriculum; and earn their high school diploma.
Aside from in-class learning, students in the YES program are also exposed to the business community through facility tours, guest speakers and mock interview events. For the 2022-23 school year, 16 tours were offered with 52 businesses providing them. The program conducted mock interviews with 60 professionals interviewing over 400 YES students.
Approximately 500 employers in Schuylkill, Luzerne, Erie and York counties offer preferred interviewing for YES graduates.
"By intertwining academia with industry, the YES program empowers students to transcend the boundaries of the classroom and venture into a realm where their ideas thrive, their potential blossoms, and their aspirations take flight," Northeast PA Manufacturers & Employers Council President Darlene J. Robbins said in the press release. "Students obtain real-world insights, mentorship and collaborative opportunities. Together, the business community and students create a synergy that not only fuels personal growth but also fuels the growth of society as a whole. YES truly is helping to shape the leaders and visionaries of tomorrow."
To date, cumulative program enrollment totals 11,547 students, with 3,511 graduates. For more information on the YES program, visit the council's website at www.nepamaec.com or call 570-622-0940.