Since 2006, the Northeast PA Manufacturers & Employers Council’s mission has been to provide programs and services that will develop a qualified workforce and competitive business community in northeastern Pennsylvania. The many workforce development programs offered include the Y.E.S. Northeast Certificate Program, Y.E.S. Northeast Workshop Series, Annual Schuylkill County Career Fair, Elementary Career Awareness, Career Integration Services, Internship Placements, Administrator in the Workplace, and the Youth Employment Register. MAEC also shares news through Facebook and YouTube.
Your Employability Skills
The YES (Your Employability Skills) Northeast Certificate Program, which is administered by the Northeast PA Manufacturers & Employers Council, is a 1-credit, 120-hour, yearlong elective course targeted at high school seniors. The program is designed to bridge the worlds of education and work by developing and enhancing students’ basic job skills that managers in all businesses and industries require. The course curriculum consists of 36 modules that are meant to give students the “real life” knowledge they can apply both on and off the job. The Quality and Technology topics contain assessment components. In addition, the Y.E.S. Northeast curriculum closely aligns with the new Chapter 4 Academic Standards for Career Education and Work. Students participate in four (4) plant/business tours throughout the year and business professionals present in the classroom to further discuss the modules and how they are applied in the work environment. Mock interviews are also conducted with Y.E.S. students. In order to receive the program certificate at the end of the year, students must meet the following criteria:
- Reading and math scores are at a 9th grade level (determined by the Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE))
- Score of 21 out of 50 on the Wonderlic Cognitive Ability Test
- Successfully pass a 6-panel drug screening
- Demonstrate 95% or better attendance rate
- Obtain High School diploma or GED
- Completion of 120 hours of coursework
The program originally began in York County in 1996 as an adult-focused program, which was later adjusted for high school students, with the high school phase of YES beginning in 2001. The Council began administering the YES program in the northeast PA region in 2006. In 2010, the Council completely revamped and copyrighted the YES Northeast curriculum. The curriculum is used for both the in-school and out-of-school youth programming.
YES Northeast Workshop Series
The Council also provides a customized version of the YES Northeast curriculum for out-of-school youth enrolled in GED classes. These workshops are currently offered to students enrolled at various local PA CareerLinks. The topics are easily customized to serve a variety of groups, including adults and high-risk populations.
Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Program
Want to keep your tax dollars local and support your future workforce? Donate to the YES Northeast Certificate Program today through the Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program.
The Council, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, is deemed an Educational Improvement Organization in providing innovative educational programs to, or in conjunction with, public schools. PA businesses can apply for EITC credits through the Department of Community & Economic Development’s electronic single application system. Donating allows for businesses to support hundreds of local students in your community and all this will require is completion of the one-page application.
Schuylkill County Career Fair
Every year, we hold the Schuylkill County Career fair at Martz Hall in Pottsville. This annual event takes place each spring. While there, students have the opportunity to speak one-on-one with local employers, post-secondary educational institutions, and the military about the careers and educational opportunities available in Northeast Pennsylvania.
