Workforce Spotlight

Leading by Learning: The Giant Company Strives for More Equal, Inclusive Workplace

January 05, 2022

More and more businesses nationwide are having conversations about how to combat inequality in the workforce. Equality of Opportunity — the goal to ensure that every citizen has access to the skills and education that will lead them down a successful career pathway — is at the heart of the PA Chamber’s “Bringing PA Back” mission. To that end, we look toward member companies that are putting words to action through impactful Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programs that celebrate the unique talents each person brings to the table. One such company is The GIANT Company.

Career Opportunities at Select Medical

December 21, 2021

Select Medical is one of the largest providers of post-acute care, operating over 100 critical illness recovery hospitals in 28 states, 30 rehabilitation hospitals in 12 states, and 1,850 outpatient rehabilitation clinics in 39 states and the District of Columbia. Select Medical’s joint venture subsidiary Concentra operated 519 occupational health centers in 41 states. At September 30, 2021, Select Medical had operations in 46 states and the District of Columbia.  Headquartered in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, our more than 1,400 shared services colleagues play a key role in ensuring our hospitals and centers have the support needed to provide the best patient care every day.

PA Chamber Foundation: Setting Up Students for Future Success in PA

December 15, 2021

Commuter Services Provides Employers Access to Transportation Resources as a Workforce Development Strategy

November 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.

Montgomery County-Based Almac Group to Create 300 New Jobs

November 09, 2021

U-GRO: Teaching with Purpose - Early Education at the Forefront of Pandemic Recovery

September 01, 2021

Businesses Need Employees. Reentry Citizens Need Jobs. PA DOC is Bridging the Gap

June 16, 2021

Cedar Crest College: Preparing the Next Generation of Workforce Leaders

June 09, 2021

Elizabethtown College has the EDGE in Workforce Development Efforts

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.

Susquehanna County Career and Technology Center Providing Workforce Education During a Pandemic

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.

Peirce College is Ready to Move Pennsylvania Forward

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. 

Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics: The Runway to Some of the Most Skilled Workers in the Country

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.

Western Governors University: Competency-Based Education Expands Higher Ed Options in Pennsylvania

April 07, 2021

WEDnetPA and PASBDC Continues to Serve Communities in PA Through Workforce Development

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.

Seton Hill University Preparing Students for the Workforce of the Future

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.

Dauphin County Technical School Preparing the Skilled Workforce of Tomorrow

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.

Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education: Preparing Pennsylvania’s Workforce of the Future

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.

Lehigh and Carnegie Mellon Universities: Partnering Students and Industry through the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Technology Alliance

February 24, 2021

Penn State Career Services Meets Industry Partners, Students Where They Are

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.

Central Penn College: Three Training Solutions for Companies and Organizations

February 10, 2021

By Michael Fedor

Villanova University’s College of Professional Studies Offers Multiple Pathways for Individuals and Businesses to Gain Expertise and Upskill

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.

Jobs for America’s Graduates of Pennsylvania: Bridging the Gap Between Classrooms and Careers

January 06, 2021

Allegheny College: Graduates Equipped for 21st Century Jobs

December 09, 2020

The workforce of the 21^st 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.  

Grow with Google: Using Technology to Drive PA’s Economic Recovery

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.

Harrisburg University: Relevant STEM Programs for All Learners

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.

Shippensburg University Helping Businesses and Community Adapt to New Workforce Realities

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.

HACC’s STEP Academy Helping Reentrants Find Gainful Employment

October 28, 2020

By Vic Rodgers

Northampton Community College: Committed to Workforce Development and High Priority Occupation Training Now More than Ever

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.

CCA: Preparing Students for the Jobs of Tomorrow – How School Should Work

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.

The Challenge Program, Inc. Raising Student Awareness of Job Training Programs

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. 

Montgomery County Community College Creates Solutions for Workforce Needs

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.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania Prepares Teens for Jobs of the Future

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.

Community College of Allegheny County -- The Gateway to Regional Employment Opportunities

September 16, 2020

Workforce development and training aligned with 21^st 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.

Addressing the Talent Pipeline – How Penn College is Revolutionizing Apprenticeship Training to Close the Skills Gap

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.

Reading Area Community College is Preparing the Next Generation Advanced Manufacturing Workforce Now

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.

NuPaths: A Partner in Building Your IT workforce

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.

Junior Achievement of Western PA Creatively Connects Students with Employers

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.

PA Chamber Educational Foundation Announces 2020 Work Ethic Scholarship Winners

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. 

Berks Connections/Pretrial Services Offer Successful Program to Help Reentrants Obtain Employment in the Construction Trades

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.

Flagger Force: Partnerships to Grow a Skilled Workforce

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.