Building Pennsylvania’s Workforce Together

PWDA brings together workforce leaders, employers, educators, policymakers, and community partners to strengthen Pennsylvania’s workforce system and expand opportunity across the Commonwealth.

We represent and support Pennsylvania’s 22 local workforce development boards while helping align the broader network of people and organizations shaping the state’s economy, talent pipeline, and future of work.

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Workforce Leadership for Pennsylvania

PWDA sits at the intersection of workforce, education, business, economic development, and public policy. We convene the people closest to the work, elevate shared priorities, and turn statewide challenges into coordinated action.

Our members and partners include:

  • Pennsylvania’s 22 local workforce development boards
  • State and local government leaders
  • Employers and industry partners
  • Education and training providers
  • Community organizations and service providers
  • Economic development and philanthropic partners
  • National workforce organizations and thought leaders
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How PWDA Supports the Workforce System

For Workforce Boards

PWDA provides advocacy, professional learning, peer connection, policy updates, and a strong statewide voice for Pennsylvania’s local workforce development system.

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For Employers and Partners

PWDA helps employers, funders, education partners, and community organizations connect with workforce leaders across Pennsylvania and build stronger talent solutions.

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For Policymakers and Stakeholders

PWDA brings practical insight from the field to statewide and federal conversations about workforce policy, funding, data, and economic mobility.

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What We’re Driving Right Now

PWDA is focused on the issues shaping Pennsylvania’s workforce today and tomorrow.

  • Workforce Pell implementation across Pennsylvania
  • Expansion of apprenticeship and work-based learning
  • Employer engagement strategies statewide
  • Alignment across workforce, education, and economic development
  • Career Training, internship, and education support for youth and young adults

WHAT WE DO

Explore Our Focus Areas
We help employers access talent, insights, and workforce solutions.
We provide crucial training and support for youth and young adults.
We provide a platform for businesses to be heard by local, state, and federal agencies.
We aggregate and disperse relevant industry and workforce data for all to use and make strategic decisions.

How We Make an Impact

IMPACT FACTS

$1.89 Total Economic Impact

For Every $1.00 in WIOA Expenditures

Source: CWIA, WIOA 2018-2019

Pennsylvania’s economic needs vary wildly from Erie to Philadelphia. We act as the central nervous system for the state’s 22 Local Workforce Development Boards (LWDBs). By establishing unified benchmarks, sharing operational best practices, and streamlining communication, we ensure that state-wide workforce strategies are executed with local precision.
Workforce development doesn't happen in a vacuum. We actively break down silos by convening leaders from education, government, economic development, and labor. Through our annual conferences and targeted coalitions, we turn fragmented conversations into synchronized strategies that maximize public and private investments.
We ensure Pennsylvania’s voice is heard where decisions are made. As the premier advocacy body for the state's workforce ecosystem, we educate lawmakers on grassroots challenges and successes. Our efforts directly shape legislation, protect critical funding, and modernize policies like WIOA to match the realities of today's economy.
A thriving economy requires a perfect match between skills and demand. We pilot and scale innovative workforce programs that align training directly with high-priority occupations. By giving employers a direct seat at the table, we help industries close skills gaps while lifting Pennsylvania workers into family-sustaining careers.