REFORM Alliance Launched Lancaster Job Training Program

The initiative provides apprenticeships for young adults on probation to enter the union construction trades.

Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Internships

REFORM Alliance Launched Lancaster Job Training Program

Live Poll

Should local governments prioritize funding job training for individuals on probation?

The REFORM Alliance has introduced a new job training program in Lancaster designed to help young adults between the ages of 18 and 24 currently on probation or parole. This initiative offers a pathway to skilled employment through construction trade apprenticeships.

Why it matters

The program aims to address barriers to entry for justice-impacted individuals by providing the necessary training and financial support to secure stable careers in the construction industry.

The Lancaster program received $518,000 in U.S. Department of Labor funding to serve 70 participants. Students receive a $250 weekly stipend during their 10-week apprenticeship-readiness course.

The players

REFORM Alliance

This non-profit organization focuses on criminal justice reform and advocates for pathways toward stability for individuals impacted by the justice system.

Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology

This institution is a public technical college based in Lancaster that provides specialized vocational training and apprenticeship curricula.

U.S. Department of Labor

This federal executive department is responsible for occupational safety, wage and hour standards, and employment-related training programs.

The details

Participants complete a 10-week curriculum at Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology that includes OSHA 10 certification. Upon graduation, the program provides placement assistance for roles within the union building trades, supplemented by free Uber transportation for attendees.

December 2023: The Pennsylvania General Assembly enacted Act 44.
August 2026: Pennsylvania announced the RESTART initiative.
September 25, 2026: The apprenticeship-readiness program was formally highlighted.

Market Landscape

This effort fits into a broader trend of state governments utilizing federal grants to bridge the gap between justice-impacted populations and the labor-strapped construction sector. It mirrors the structural support models used in previous pilot programs, such as the one implemented in Richmond.

Young adults in the Lancaster area who meet the age and probation requirements gain access to free professional certification and a weekly stipend to support their transition to work. This program provides local employers in the union trades with a vetted pool of entry-level workers.

The takeaway

This initiative demonstrates how structured technical training can serve as a bridge to employment for populations often excluded from traditional job markets. By integrating transportation and stipends, the model addresses common logistical hurdles that often lead to program dropout.