The Big Takeaway
Tuesday night’s Instructional Affairs Committee meeting centered on two major themes:
- Expanding post-graduation pathways — particularly in the building trades
- Renewing the District’s K-12 Chapter 339 School Counseling Plan
The meeting featured a lengthy discussion with representatives from the Philadelphia Building Trades about how Bensalem can better connect students — especially non-college-bound seniors — to apprenticeship opportunities.
At the same time, administrators presented an updated 72-page Chapter 339 K-12 Guidance Plan, required by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
For the Students (Field Trips & Opportunities)
Robotics Competition Field Trip Approved
The Committee approved a late submission field trip request for nine students from Snyder and Schaefer Middle Schools to attend an FTC (FIRST Tech Challenge) robotics competition from the 21st to the 22nd.
Key details:
- Total students: 9
- Fully funded
- No cost to the district
- No cost to families
- Students will not miss instructional time
The trip was added late after the team was accepted off a waitlist for a second competition.
Career Pathways: Building Trades Discussion
The bulk of the evening was spent discussing how Bensalem can better connect students to union apprenticeship programs in the building and construction trades.
Who Presented
Brian Eddis, Business Representative for the Philadelphia Building & Construction Trades Council, addressed the Committee at the request of board members.
Philadelphia Building Trades Partnership: While not a direct expenditure, the regional trades program spends over $50 million annually on apprenticeship training (JATC), which Bensalem students can access upon graduation at no cost to the taxpayer.
Pre-Apprenticeship Program: A partnership with Bucks County Community College offers a 10-week “bridge” program for graduates who are unsure which trade to pursue.
The Trades represent:
- 50,000+ members regionally
- 18 different local unions
- $50+ million annually invested in apprenticeship training
Apprenticeships typically include:
- 144–200 hours of classroom instruction per year
- 4,500 to 6,000+ hours of on-the-job training
- Some programs offering up to 45 college credits
The Numbers
One statistic that caught my attention:
- The Bucks County Community College pre-apprenticeship program reports that roughly 45% of participants are accepted into a trade.
- Nationally, the average placement rate is just over 15%.
However, admission is competitive.
In one cited example:
- 500 applicants took a steamfitters’ entrance test
- Only 80 passed
Some trades reportedly receive over 1,000 applicants for roughly 150 apprenticeship spots.
The Math Factor
A significant portion of the discussion focused on math readiness.
Steamfitters and other mechanical trades require:
- Strong foundational math
- Quick fraction manipulation
- Converting fractions to decimals
- Measurement applications
- Trigonometry within the program itself
The math expectations prompted discussion among district administrators about ensuring students are prepared for these pathways.
The Engagement Challenge
One surprising observation:
At a previous Bensalem career event, most students who stopped at the trades table were female, with fewer male students expressing interest.
Board members discussed:
- Starting conversations earlier (freshman year)
- Creating a “captive audience” presentation instead of relying solely on career fairs
- Identifying seniors who did not apply to four-year colleges and proactively reaching out
The idea: catch students in the spring of senior year before they drift into low-wage or gig work.
What’s Next
The Trades Council agreed to:
- Provide a one-page information sheet for students and families
- Share contact information and application timelines
- Help coordinate in-school presentations
- Provide test prep information
Timing is critical. Many trade applications open in the spring.
Chapter 339 K-12 School Counseling Plan
The Committee also reviewed the District’s updated Chapter 339 Plan, which governs K-12 career guidance and counseling services.
What Is Chapter 339?
Chapter 339 is a Pennsylvania regulation requiring districts to maintain a comprehensive K-12 counseling and career readiness plan aligned with state standards.
Bensalem’s updated plan:
- Is 72 pages long
- Covers K-12 counseling services
- Aligns with PDE career and education standards
- Replaces the district’s previous plan, adopted in 2018
The plan must be submitted to the Pennsylvania Department of Education after Board approval.
Why It Matters
This plan formalizes how the district:
- Delivers career readiness programming
- Provides counseling services
- Aligns academic pathways with post-secondary options
- Documents compliance with state requirements
It focuses on career readiness and social-emotional development starting as early as kindergarten, with heavy emphasis on digital portfolios starting in 3rd grade and career planning in 8th and 11th grades.
Once approved, additional state forms and reporting requirements will follow.
The Bigger Picture
This meeting highlighted a broader shift in focus:
- Not every student will pursue a four-year college.
- Trade and apprenticeship programs are competitive, structured, and math-intensive.
- There is significant regional demand for skilled labor, particularly with upcoming pharmaceutical, nuclear, and data center construction projects.
Board members repeatedly emphasized urgency:
“We only have them for a short period of time.”
The consensus was clear: career planning must happen earlier — and more intentionally — before students leave the system.
Bottom Line
- Robotics students head to the competition at no cost.
- The District is renewing its comprehensive K-12 counseling plan.
- A serious push is underway to connect Bensalem students to union apprenticeship pathways.
- Math readiness and early career conversations may become a stronger focus moving forward.
Note: This summary is based on the meeting video and transcript for the February 10, 2026, Instructional Affairs Committee Meeting
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