State Representative Jill N. Cooper announced on Apr. 9 a proposal to require all Commonwealth students in grades six through twelve to participate in a shop class, aiming to address the projected shortfall of more than 300,000 skilled trade workers by 2030.
The initiative comes as Pennsylvania faces significant challenges regarding economic development and workforce readiness, particularly as businesses seek growth and infrastructure expansion requires skilled labor.
Cooper said that reversing the trend of declining interest in skilled trades among students will likely require multiple approaches and strategies. “This is why I am proposing legislation requiring Commonwealth students in grades six through 12 to participate in a shop class, helping to expand hands-on learning and better prepare students for in-demand careers,” she said. She described the current shortfall as alarming but also an opportunity for young people.
Cooper noted that demand for skilled trades has increased due to aging infrastructure systems and changing consumer needs related to technology and construction. She highlighted that recent state budgets have included increased investments in career and technical education programs, with new laws clearing paths for tradespeople to become instructors.
She said her proposal aims “to help Pennsylvania students develop an appreciation of building, creating or repairing something with their hands, creating a skill and sparking an interest that they otherwise may never know they have.” According to Cooper, career and technical education students graduate at higher rates—94.7% compared with 87% statewide—and are well positioned for jobs requiring education beyond high school but less than a bachelor’s degree by 2031.
Cooper added that participation in technical education does not preclude higher learning opportunities: “In fact, 35% of career and technology graduates go on to pursue higher education at colleges and universities.” She concluded by saying her bill would encourage young people “to broaden their knowledge base” so every student leaves school prepared for varied roles within the workforce.
Additional news topics shared by Cooper include a free mobile shredding event scheduled with Rep. Abby Major on May 8 at Lower Burrell VFW Post 92; a Women’s Legislative Tea featuring Westmoreland County District Attorney Nicole Ziccarelli on May 13; and information about pension benefits available through the state’s Amputee and Paralyzed Veterans Pension program during National Limb Loss Awareness Month.
According to the official website, Cooper participates in community organizations like the Franklin Regional Panther Foundation and Westmoreland Community Action according to the official website. She resides with her husband Leighton according to the official website.
Cooper graduated from Plum Senior High School and Grove City College according to the official website. She serves on several committees including Education; Labor & Industry; Tourism; Economic & Recreational Development; Local Government; Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness according to the official website.
Her professional background includes leadership roles such as vice president of sales & marketing for an Alcoa subsidiary according to the official website, spending fourteen years at Alcoa Corporation before entering public service according to the official website.
