Updated and refreshed, November 2025
Ryan Abramson, a Bucks County-based strategist and Director of Strategic Communications at Penn State Lehigh Valley. He is also a consultant and expert at Oakridge Leaders in Langhorne, Bucks County, PA.
“Pennsylvania has always been a leader in trade education,” said Abramson. “From the industrial roots of Philadelphia to the steel history of Bethlehem and the small businesses across Bucks County, technical training has shaped our economy and our communities. It is time we fully honor that legacy and prepare students for careers that match their skills and passions.”
A Historic Foundation in Pennsylvania
Abramson has seen firsthand how opportunities can shape a student’s future.
“Some students thrive in advanced academic programs, while others excel when they have access to labs, workshops, and apprenticeships,” he explained. “Trade schools are not less than college – they are parallel tracks toward successful and fulfilling careers.”
Pennsylvania has a proud history of investing in technical training. Philadelphia schools integrated industrial education programs in the early 20th century, and trade education remains strong in the Lehigh Valley. Bucks County has also embraced programs that provide practical skills in areas such as construction, automotive technology, healthcare, and information systems.
Today’s Workforce Needs
Across the nation, industries are sounding alarms about the shortage of skilled workers. Pennsylvania employers, from Erie to the Poconos, report difficulty filling positions in plumbing, electrical work, welding, healthcare technology, and IT. Central Pennsylvania trade schools are already reporting record enrollment as young people discover the advantages of hands-on career preparation.
Abramson believes that momentum must be nurtured. “If we want strong local economies, we need to show students and parents that trade careers are honorable, lucrative, and critical to our country’s success,” he said. “That begins with access to high-quality programs in every district.”
Equal, Not Secondary
Abramson stresses that technical education should never be framed as a fallback option.
“Career and technical education is not a Plan B,” Abramson emphasized. “It is a Plan A for students who want to build, design, repair, and innovate with their hands and minds. Just as a student may dream of attending Penn State University, another may dream of becoming a master electrician or healthcare technician. Both deserve respect.”
By rethinking how trade education is presented, Abramson hopes to dismantle outdated stigmas that suggest college is the only path to success.
Pennsylvania’s Role in Leading the Way
As home to both rich academic traditions and strong trade roots, Pennsylvania has the chance to lead the nation in creating balanced education pathways.
Abramson and Oakridge Leaders are advocating for closer partnerships between schools, businesses, and policymakers. By linking CTE programs to real-world employers in Philadelphia, the Lehigh Valley, and Bucks County, students can graduate with both credentials and confidence.
“The next generation will rebuild infrastructure, advance clean energy, and support growing industries,” Abramson said. “We must invest now to ensure Pennsylvania’s students are ready.”
About Ryan Abramson and Penn State Lehigh Valley
Ryan Abramson is the Director of Strategic Communication at Penn State Lehigh Valley, public speaker, and longtime education advocate.
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