Workforce SpotlightNovember 23, 2021
As we continue to navigate the pandemic, workforce development has become an important topic of discussion as employers compete to fill open positions. Transportation is one of the major barriers faced by individuals seeking work, and Commuter Services can be a vital tool to help provide transportation resources to both employers and employees.
November 09, 2021
September 01, 2021
June 16, 2021
June 09, 2021
May 12, 2021
On September 1, 2020, Jack Rice began his appointment as the dean of the School of Continuing and Professional Studies at Elizabethtown College. We were able to catch up with Dean Rice and discuss his vision for the program at Etown.
May 05, 2021
This past year has presented unique challenges to the education community. The Susquehanna County Career and Technology Center has additional challenges based on the decisions of its seven sending schools. Even if the SCCTC is open every day, its students -- for the most part -- follow sending school schedules. Consequently, all Career Center programs have been set up with virtual capabilities for any student on any given day. In the event a student is quarantined or a sending school closes for COVID-19 related reasons, the instructor is notified and the virtual classroom is accessible that day to the students. This process will probably continue on some level even after the pandemic since it has proven to be very effective. Students never feel behind or left out because they can always see what is going on and receive instruction even when they are unable to attend in person.
April 29, 2021
As Pennsylvania looks toward the rebound, life as we know it has changed. For many, the job they had before won’t be waiting for them. The Commonwealth has lost 7.7 percent of its service industry jobs, with the effect felt most heavily by the 27 percent decrease in jobs in the leisure and hospitality fields.
April 21, 2021
Come with us on the rigorous educational journey of a Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics student. Beginning with day one, students track every minute toward their 2,478-hour program, preparing them not only for their degree, but the Federal Certifications that are built into the program. Within 21 months, students leave PIA confident in their abilities to tackle any mechanical or electrical task in front of them.
April 07, 2021
March 24, 2021
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has created the opportunity for employers to train new and existing employees through the Workforce and Economic Development Network of PA program. Since its beginning in 1999, WEDnetPA has grown to become the primary delivery system for Pennsylvania’s incumbent workforce training. Each year, WEDnetPA partners continue to reach out to a significant number of companies and employees — strengthening our workforce and businesses and, in turn, strengthening Pennsylvania’s economy.
March 17, 2021
At Seton Hill University, a Catholic, liberal arts institution located in Greensburg, PA, students are prepared not just for their first job but for the career changes that will likely occur during their lifetimes.
March 10, 2021
The Baby Boomer Generation is retiring and the skills gap continues to grow and be a challenge to our workforce needs. Not only is the gap widening, but the shortage of skilled workers throughout Pennsylvania is on the rise.
March 03, 2021
Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education’s 14 universities offer innovative programs and opportunities that prepare students to achieve success and upward mobility regardless of zip code or family background. State System students are career ready when they graduate, in high priority industries and occupations with more than 500,000 alumni residing in Pennsylvania.
February 24, 2021
February 17, 2021
Well before classrooms and conference rooms were traded for Zoom, Penn State’s Career Services had a strong reputation with industry partners eager to connect with sought-after Penn State students—so much so that according to a 2020 survey of the nation’s top corporate college recruiters, Penn State students rank fifth for career preparedness after graduation.
February 10, 2021
By Michael Fedor
January 26, 2021
At Villanova's College of Professional Studies, we believe life experience is the kindling to the brightest futures. We believe the past is a launch pad. We believe today is the day to change course, pivot to an alternate adventure, become who you've always said you'd become. And we're here to help you fulfill that promise.
January 06, 2021
December 16, 2020 | Lindsay Andrews
As an aspiring engineer and a part of the Bucknell College of Engineering’s senior design experience, Ryder Nance '20 couldn't wait for his chance to imagine and construct a product for a real-world company. But when the time to put his skills to work finally came, he was surprised to find himself doing much of that designing, building and testing from the garage of his home instead of in Bucknell's state-of-the-art labs and makerspaces.
December 09, 2020
The workforce of the 21st century requires a different approach to education and training to meet the needs of domestic and global businesses and nonprofit organizations. Just as the Industrial Revolution brought about a shift from an agricultural to an industrial economy, today’s fast-evolving marketplace -- given the influence and fast pace of innovation and technology -- demands a different and broader set of skills in the labor force.
December 02, 2020
For many job seekers across the United States, the difference between landing a job or continuing the search hinges on how well they understand digital tools. Nearly two-thirds of all new jobs created since 2010 require either high or medium-level digital skills, which poses a challenge for jobseekers who lack this essential training. Technology plays a crucial role in helping people find good jobs. It also can help drive broader economic recovery for the country.
November 18, 2020
Harrisburg University of Science and Technology is moving forward to supply relevant training for traditional and nontraditional college students in the workforce world. Our mission is to offer innovative academic and research programs in science and technology that respond to local and global needs. The institution fosters a diverse community of learners, provides access and support to students who want to pursue a career in science and technology, and supports business creation and economic development.
November 11, 2020
Remote work and new business realities necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic aren’t likely to go away any time soon, and the quick shifts in these areas have left many workers, businesses and job seekers with a need to learn new skills. Shippensburg University is responding to these needs through new trainings designed to assist those working remotely and small businesses and job-seekers that are navigating a new, increasingly digital environment. These trainings will be short, non-credit and virtual to offer the maximum amount of flexibility.
October 28, 2020
By Vic Rodgers
October 21, 2020
Community colleges are often at the forefront of creating new training options based on trends in local business and industry need. Agility is key. For decades, Northampton Community College has delivered non-credit training programs in Corporate and Public Safety, Healthcare, Manufacturing and Industrial Skills, Hospitality, Computer Skills and Office Administration. We recognize the importance of creating training that meets the needs of our local employers and businesses in the many high priority occupations in our geography.
October 14, 2020
Commonwealth Charter Academy is a top accredited public cyber charter school that provides personalized educational programs and services to more than 16,000 students in grades K-12 across Pennsylvania at no cost to families.
October 07, 2020
The Challenge Program, Inc. was founded in 2003 by Daniel Perkins. Our mission is to build sustainable business and education partnerships while motivating students to develop the good habits required to succeed in school and in their future careers. Students in grades 10, 11 and 12 are challenged in TCP’s five incentivized categories that are linked to successful career habits – Attendance, STEM, Community Service, Academic Improvement and Academic Excellence.
September 30, 2020
Montgomery County Community College has been a partner with business and industry since the College was founded in 1964. Our mission is centered on our commitment to being a community hub for learning skills and achieving credentials that promote prosperity and quality of life. Collaborating with regional employers is key to serving the workforce needs of the county and region.
September 23, 2020
For the past 130 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania has built a rich legacy of being one of the most comprehensive youth services providers in both Allegheny and Somerset counties by living out our mission to activate and advance the potential in every child by doing whatever it takes to ensure they have GREAT FUTURES.
September 16, 2020
Workforce development and training aligned with 21st century demands is essential to enhancing the economic growth of the Greater Pittsburgh region. Over the past few years, as our aging workforce has started to retire, there has been a noticeable void of qualified individuals to fill the gaps. With certificate programs, continuing education credits and training programs quickly becoming the industry standard for education, the Community College of Allegheny County has positioned itself as the gateway to regional employment opportunities.
September 09, 2020
In manufacturing and other applied technology sectors, a shortage of skilled workers has been a vexing and ongoing challenge for many years. Too few students pursue manufacturing-related career pathways, too few parents know enough about modern manufacturing and the associated opportunities to encourage that pursuit, and the existing workforce is short on the required skills to fill the needs of employers. Add the retirement of 10,000 baby boomers per day to the mix, and you have a perfect storm of skilled labor disconnect.
September 02, 2020
A frontrunner in Industry 4.0 training, the Schmidt Training and Technology Center, a dedicated facility at Reading Area Community College for advanced manufacturing technology in Reading, PA, is ready to position operators and technicians to be solely efficient and effective - no outsourcing.
August 26, 2020
Information technology has become an integral part of every business, and employers need a workforce that is proficient in technology. Over the years, the need for technology skills has grown beyond just the IT department. Due to this high demand, many employers no longer require a four year degree for technology roles that can be filled by candidates who have the specific skills and certifications to perform the job.
August 19, 2020
Junior Achievement’s K-12 career education programs provide exciting, eye-opening realizations about how our economy works, how to find and keep a job and the role that business plays in our lives. For more than 80 years, JA has responded to various challenges in the workforce by creating local programs to meet the needs of our business community.
August 12, 2020
The Pennsylvania Chamber Educational Foundation is proud to announce that 18 Commonwealth students have been awarded a total of $108,000 in mikeroweWORKS Work Ethic Scholarships. The selected students are attending technical schools located within the Commonwealth to pursue careers in the skilled trades. As part of its ongoing commitment to address the Commonwealth’s job skills gap, the PA Chamber Educational Foundation has teamed up with the mikeroweWORKS Foundation for the past four years.
August 12, 2020
Berks Connections/Pretrial Services has been in the Life Improvement Business serving the criminal justice population in Berks County for close to 45 years. A lack of job training and opportunities for stable employment at a living wage present significant barriers to our clients’ reentry success. Lack of employment is not only a quality of life issue, but can also have serious implications on an individual’s likelihood to recidivate.
February 14, 2020
Mandatory infrastructure upgrades are forcing contractors and utilities to rapidly increase work capacity. However, this is completely dependent upon companies having the trained staff available to tackle a growing list of projects. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, Pennsylvania alone needs to add about 137,000 construction workers by 2021 in order to keep up with demand. Not only does this require hiring new employees, but also retaining and developing them to keep pace with the needs of the nation’s infrastructure.
