News

Harrisburg, PA: Today, the Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association (PWDA) released a comprehensive guide for post-secondary institutions to help prepare them to qualify for the new Workforce Pell program. 

The program helps institutions expand access to short-term, for-credit training programs. Workforce Pell is a federal financial aid expansion supporting short-term, for-credit programs (150–599 hours) aligned to high-demand careers. PWDA’s guide helps institutions determine program eligibility and offers an assessment to assist post-secondary institutions in choosing the right path to implement the program. PWDA is available to help guide institutions through the process, preparing them to apply for Workforce Pell – when regulatory guidance is released – and deliver strong results for their students and local businesses. In addition to the free guide, post secondary institutions can benefit from PWDA membership as they implement their Workforce Pell programs. 

“The passage of Workforce Pell presents a historic opportunity for post-secondary institutions to expand access to short-term, for-credit training programs that will help prepare students for successful careers in our communities and position institutions as leaders in talent development,” said Lauren Holubec, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association. “The Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association can help post-secondary institutions design programs, build employer partnerships, and work with institutions and local Workforce Development Boards to align programs with high-priority occupations. The Workforce Pell program is an opportunity for post-secondary institutions to expand their offerings for students and connect their institutions directly with federal funding opportunities.” 

Workforce Pell is a federal financial aid expansion that supports students in programs lasting 8-15 weeks (150-599 hours) that prepare them for high-demand careers.

The program has several key requirements that post-secondary institutions must meet when developing their programs. The programs have to be for-credit and stackable. There must be a ≥70% completion rate and ≥70% job placement within 180 days. Graduates of the program must have earnings that exceed program costs. Most importantly, programs must be operational for one year before they qualify for Workforce Pell eligibility.

The Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association has developed a guide and is offering partnerships to help post-secondary institutions meet the program requirements when they are released. Throughout the regulatory process, PWDA will update the guide and make sure institutions have up-to-date information that reflects federal and state guidelines. 

PWDA is Pennsylvania’s leading expert in workforce development and a statewide convener with deep connections to local Workforce Development Boards, employers, and decision makers. Post-secondary institutions in Pennsylvania and throughout the country can benefit from PWDA membership in a number of ways as they implement their Workforce Pell programs. 

PWDA provides several services that can help post-secondary institutions succeed as they build Workforce Pell programs, including Program Development Services, Training and Capacity Building, Advocacy and Policy Support, and Ongoing Support Services.

PWDA’s Program Development Services guide institutions through every step of implementation of Workforce Pell programs. PWDA can help institutions assess their readiness and eligibility, as well as develop labor market analyses to identify high-need professions that qualify for Workforce Pell. 

PWDA provides Training and Capacity Building to help institutions implement and execute Workforce Pell programs. The trainings include data analysis and professional development that equip institutions to manage effective workforce programs.  

PWDA provides Advocacy and Policy Support for partners. As institutions implement Workforce Pell programs, PWDA can serve as a liaison with state and federal agencies to interpret and shape policy so programs are efficient and effective. 

Finally, PWDA provides Ongoing Support Services such as performance monitoring, technical assistance, problem-solving, and continuous improvement to help institutions meet goals and stay compliant with Workforce Pell. 

“The Pennsylvania Workforce Development system is ready to work with post-secondary institutions to make sure they are leaders in Workforce Pell adoption,” said Holubec. “We can help institutions assess their readiness, prepare their programs, and deliver results that result in federal funding and successful training for students.” 

The PA Workforce Development Association (PWDA) serves as the voice of the Pennsylvania workforce development system and a clearinghouse for workforce development information statewide. Known for Pennsylvania’s premier annual workforce development gathering every spring, we provide development and capacity building opportunities to workforce development professionals, local workforce development boards (WDBs), and other stakeholders while continuing proactive advocacy efforts on behalf of Pennsylvania’s workforce development system.

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Harrisburg, PA: Today, the Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association (PWDA) is proud to recognize Executive Director Lauren Holubec as well as the members and partners included in City & State Pennsylvania’s 2025 Who’s Who in Labor list. According to City & State Pennsylvania, the list highlights “a dedicated group of educators and advocates who power the Keystone State’s key industries.”

“It is an honor to be recognized alongside so many champions of Pennsylvania labor – including many of our members and partners,” said Holubec. “The commonwealth’s economic success is dependent on our shared commitment to our workers and employers. This year’s honorees truly embody that commitment and demonstrate how leadership, innovation, and collaboration can – and do – strengthen workforce development in Pennsylvania.”

Holubec, who joined PWDA in April, has led a career spanning various sectors of the workforce development system, including in leadership roles at the Pennsylvania Principal’s Association, Emerge Education, Harrisburg Area Community College, Harrisburg University, and the Lebanon County Career and Technology Center. Her experience in advocacy, education, and workforce strategy has made her uniquely qualified to work on behalf of PWDA’s members and their communities. 

PWDA members and partners featured on the 2025 Who’s Who in Labor list include:

• Rob Cherry, CEO of Partner4Work and PWDA board member, who was appointed to chair the U.S. Department of Labor’s Advisory Committee on Apprenticeship, underscoring his national leadership in workforce development and labor policy.
• Allison Diehl, Vice President of Workforce Development for the Pennsylvania College of Technology, who oversees workforce programs that equip more than 5,000 learners each year with skills in high-demand industries from clean energy to health sciences.
• Marcus Hall, Director of Workforce Operations at Philadelphia Works, who has expanded access to youth employment opportunities through the city’s new work-based learning application portal.
• Pedro Rivera, President of Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology and former Pennsylvania Secretary of Education, who works to advance equity and access in technical education across the commonwealth.
• Pennsylvania Secretary of Labor Nancy Walker, who has prioritized stronger labor protections and expanded apprenticeship opportunities to prepare Pennsylvanians for the jobs of the future.

The Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association (PWDA) serves as the voice of the Pennsylvania workforce development system and a clearinghouse for workforce development information statewide. Known for Pennsylvania’s premier annual workforce development gathering every spring, we provide development and capacity building opportunities to workforce development professionals, local workforce development boards (WDBs), and other stakeholders while continuing proactive advocacy efforts on behalf of Pennsylvania’s workforce development system. Learn more by visiting https://www.pawork.org 

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Report Underscores the Need for Workforce Development Investments, Targeted Interventions, and Locally-Driven Solutions 

Harrisburg, PA: Today, the Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association released its latest Workforce Trends report, finding that while recent job growth in Pennsylvania is outpacing the nation, there is uneven progress in sectors and regions. In our Workforce Trends reports, we found that Pennsylvania’s economy experienced a robust recovery from COVID-19, followed by a historically tight labor market. Job seekers enjoyed atypical leverage in the job market—extremely low unemployment rates, steady month-over-month increases in employment, and job openings that exceeded the number of unemployed workers. Pennsylvania’s local workforce development boards used these dynamics to help reintegrate long-term jobless workers into employment and support low-wage workers to advance.

“The Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association’s latest Workforce Trends report shows strong recent job growth in Pennsylvania,” said Lauren Holubec, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association. “But while overall Pennsylvania’s job growth is outpacing the nation, we are seeing uneven success across regions and sectors. We need flexible, localized workforce strategies so that we can target regions and industries with unique interventions, helping them accelerate progress. With a focused workforce development strategy, Pennsylvania can build on its healthy economy and ensure that all Pennsylvanians can build strong, thriving careers in our commonwealth.”

Stronger Overall 12-Month Growth: Pennsylvania jobs grew 1.4 percent in the past year vs. 1.1 percent nationally. Pennsylvania’s leisure and hospitality industry employment jumped more than doubled that nationally (3.5 percent versus 1.5 percent). Our manufacturing sector employment ticked down slightly over the last 12 months. Our construction industry job growth was positive in the previous 12 months, but only about half the 1.3 percent employment increase nationally.

Job Growth Since Pre-Pandemic Lags Nation: The Commonwealth has experienced less than 3 percent employment growth since February 2020, compared to about 5 percent nationally. This small diƯerence is similar but somewhat above the norm for Pennsylvania. (The 20 years before the pandemic illustrate the norm: from January 2000 to February 2020, Pennsylvania non-farm jobs grew 7.6 percent compared to 16.2 percent nationally.)

Uneven Sector Recovery: Education, health, and business services are driving growth, while construction, manufacturing, and government remain below pre-pandemic levels. Leisure and hospitality surged, with job growth more than double the national rate (3.5 percent vs. 1.5 percent) in the past year. Health and social assistance jobs have grown across much of the state, but Medicaid cuts could slow growth in rural areas.

Pennsylvania Construction Job Contraction: Pennsylvania is still one percent below the February 2020 levels, whereas national employment is nine percent above February 2020 levels. Two factors that likely contributed to the large difference between construction employment growth nationally and in Pennsylvania are the phase-down of construction at the Beaver Cracker plant and the fact that federal and private investments in clean energy and manufacturing did not increase as much in Pennsylvania from 2022 to 2024 as in other states on average. 

Regional Disparities Across Local Workforce Areas: In construction, a considerable decline took place in the past year in the Southwest Corner, which may reflect, in part, the end of large-scale construction of Shell Oil’s Beaver Cracker plant. Construction employment trends in the Southeast and South Central Pennsylvania look much more like national trends, with growth ranging from 3 percent to nearly 13 percent. In manufacturing, no clear regional patterns exist. For example, Southwest Corner LWDA enjoyed 4.3 percent growth in manufacturing jobs, second only to the Lehigh Valley at 5.6 percent. 

Variation in Regions, Sectors Highlight Need for Workforce Investments: The significant variation in sectoral employment trends by LWDA underscores the need for localized workforce development. Investments in apprenticeships, pre-apprenticeships, industry partnerships, on-the-job training, and other workforce training must respond to the distinct needs of local employers, in close collaboration with their local workforce development boards.

“Our latest Workforce Trends report underscores the need for Policymakers to work with local workforce boards and rely on them for local solutions and interventions that will drive job growth in their regions,” said Holubec. “We have seen significant variances between regions and sectors as we have studied job growth and workforce trends in Pennsylvania. A construction job in the southwest is dramatically different from a construction job in the northeast. We must make sure that all of our local workforce boards have the tools and flexibility to work with employers, train workers, and connect job seekers to opportunities that exist in their regions. There is no one-size-fits-all solution.”

The Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association (PWDA) serves as the voice of the Pennsylvania workforce development system and a clearinghouse for workforce development information statewide. Known for Pennsylvania’s premier annual workforce development gathering every spring, we provide development and capacity building opportunities to workforce development professionals, local workforce development boards (WDBs), and other stakeholders while continuing proactive advocacy efforts on behalf of Pennsylvania’s workforce development system. Learn more by visiting https://www.pawork.org 

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association congratulates all of its members and partners who were named to the 2025 City & State Pennsylvania Trailblazers in Economic & Workforce Development List. The list featured workforce development leaders who have achieved success in connecting workers, job seekers, and businesses, helping to make Pennsylvania’s workforce stronger and more dynamic. 

“We are proud of all of our members and partners who were recognized as trailblazers in workforce development,” said Lauren Holubec, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association. “Our members and partners have driven success and vibrancy in their communities through thoughtful workforce development partnerships and policies that connect workers with the jobs they need to thrive in their communities. We congratulate all those who were recognized for their work in making Pennsylvania’s workforce stronger and more dynamic, helping our communities reach their full potential.” 

According to City & State Pennsylvania, the list features “Pennsylvanians who connect students with post-graduate opportunities, make sure education aligns with the needs of today’s businesses, and support grassroots development initiatives, from neighborhood revitalizations to startup outfits.”

PWDA members and partners featured on the 2025 Trailblazers list include:

• Erica Mulberger, Executive Director, Advance Central PA
• Billie Barnes, Executive Director, Bucks County Office of Workforce & Economic Development
• Rob Cherry, CEO, Partner4Work
• H. Patrick Clancy, President & CEO, Philadelphia Works
• Nancy Dischinat, Executive Director, Lehigh Valley Workforce Development Board
• Kate McGeever, Executive Director, Delaware County Workforce Development Board
• John Tkach, Executive Director, Keystone Development Partnership

Former PWDA Executive Director Carrie Amann was also honored on this year’s list for her lasting contributions to workforce development in Pennsylvania.

The Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association (PWDA) serves as the voice of the Pennsylvania workforce development system and a clearinghouse for workforce development information statewide. Known for Pennsylvania’s premier annual workforce development gathering every spring, we provide development and capacity-building opportunities to workforce development professionals, local workforce development boards (WDBs), and other stakeholders while continuing proactive advocacy efforts on behalf of Pennsylvania’s workforce development system. Learn more by visiting https://www.pawork.org 

Harrisburg, PA – Today, the Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association (PWDA) released a Youth Demographic Study to shed light on the employment trends, labor force participation, and migration patterns of the youth population in Pennsylvania. 

“Pennsylvania’s demographic shift is clear: as our population ages, we simply can’t afford to leave young people on the sidelines,” said Lauren Holubec, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association. “Investing in youth workforce development isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s an economic necessity to sustain our Commonwealth’s future.”

Pennsylvania’s Youth Population is Stagnant While Retirement Age Group Explodes

Over the years, Pennsylvania’s youth population has largely remained stable or experienced slight growth. However, a concerning trend has emerged: while the youth population has stayed relatively the same, the number of individuals in the retirement age group has more than doubled since 1990, leading to an inversion of the ratio between youth and retirement-age individuals.

As a result, despite Pennsylvania’s growing population, the youth segment now represents a shrinking portion of the total population. The population imbalance poses a significant challenge for employers, as the stagnant growth of the youth demographic makes it increasingly difficult to build a strong talent pipeline. 

With fewer young people entering the workforce, employers may struggle to meet their staffing needs and drive growth.

Youth Participation Shows Signs of Recovery, But More Action Needed to Sustain Gains

Pennsylvania does not exhibit a concerning brain drain or net loss of youth, as the data shows that the commonwealth gains as much talent as it loses through migration. Pennsylvania is beginning to reverse a decades-long trend of declining Youth Labor Force Participation Rates (LFPR) and falling education levels. While LFPR has yet to fully recover to pre-2005 averages, fewer young people are sitting on the sidelines compared to recent years.

With employment opportunities available for the youth demographic, the key to further progress lies in actively connecting youth to these opportunities and engaging them in the workforce.

Solutions to Strengthen Pennsylvania’s Youth Workforce

Pennsylvania must focus on solving the imbalance between retiring workers and young talent. Workforce development organizations can help train young workers and connect them with businesses that need talent. 

Investing in youth is a workforce imperative: As Pennsylvania’s population ages and the youth share declines, strategic investment in youth workforce development is essential to sustaining long-term economic vitality. Demographic trends clearly show that the future of the labor market depends on engaging and preparing today’s young people.

Workforce development is economic development: The report underscores the urgency of embedding youth workforce strategies into Pennsylvania’s broader economic and education planning. Strengthening connections between local employers, educators, and Local Workforce Development Boards will be key to building a resilient talent pipeline.

Youth migration patterns are balanced but regionally uneven: The Commonwealth does not suffer from an overall brain drain, but migration is highly concentrated in urban areas. Nearly half of all youth live in just two MSAs – Philadelphia and Pittsburgh – while rural areas hold only 15.6% of the youth population. Regional strategies supported by Local Workforce Development Boards will be critical to addressing localized challenges and leveraging in-migration trends.

Local solutions require sustained & flexible support: Workforce development challenges and opportunities vary significantly by region. Local boards are well-positioned to respond, but doing so effectively will require flexible and sustained federal and state investment to tailor programs that meet youth where they are.

“The Pennsylvania Workforce Development Associations’s study on youth workforce shows that a one-size-fits-all approach won’t work,” said Holubec. “We need flexible, locally driven solutions to connect young people to opportunities, especially in rural and underserved areas. Pennsylvania’s workforce boards are ready to lead but need sustained support.”

Methodology: PWDA partnered with Lightcast, which relied on data from the Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year (2023) and the Current Population Survey’s Annual Social and Economic Supplements (ASEC) from 1990 to 2024. While both sources provide valuable insights, it is important to note that some of the data measurements may vary between them. The study focused on individuals aged 16 to 24, constituting the defined youth demographic.

Lightcast is the world’s leading authority on job skills, workforce talent, and labor market dynamics, providing expertise that empowers businesses, education providers, and governments to find the skills and talent they need and enabling workers to unlock new career opportunities. Headquartered in Moscow, Idaho, Lightcast is active in more than 30 countries and has offices in the United Kingdom, Italy, New Zealand, and India.

The Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association (PWDA) serves as the voice of the Pennsylvania workforce development system and a clearinghouse for workforce development information statewide. Known for Pennsylvania’s premier annual workforce development gathering every spring, we provide development and capacity-building opportunities to workforce development professionals, local workforce development boards (WDBs), and other stakeholders while continuing proactive advocacy efforts on behalf of Pennsylvania’s workforce development system. Learn more by visiting https://www.pawork.org 

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Annual Award is Presented to a Local Innovative Workforce Development Professional 

Hershey, PA – Today, during the 41st annual Pennsylvania Workforce Development Conference, the Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association named Gregg Dogan Chief Administrative Officer of the West Central PA Job Partnership, as the recipient of the prestigious Phoenix Award for his exemplary leadership and contributions to Pennsylvania’s local workforce development system. 

“Gregg’s leadership and contributions to Pennsylvania’s workforce development system are truly exemplary,” said Lauren Holebec, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association. “His tireless efforts to connect job seekers and employers has made our communities in Western Pennsylvania stronger and more resilient. The Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association congratulates Gregg on this well-deserved honor and looks forward to his continued leadership and service.”

With a commitment to public service and a career spanning more than 40 years, Gregg Dogan stands as a pillar of excellence in Pennsylvania’s workforce development system. From the early days of the Job Training Partnership Act of 1982 (JTPA) to today’s dynamic implementation of WIOA, Gregg has been a consistent force for fiscal integrity, strategic leadership, and community-centered innovation. For the past two decades, Gregg has served as the Chief Financial Officer for the West Central Workforce Development Area, which serves Lawrence and Mercer Counties. In this role, he has provided trusted financial stewardship and executive leadership, ensuring the alignment of resources with regional goals to support both job seekers and employers. Gregg’s deep institutional knowledge, paired with his steady and thoughtful approach, has made him an invaluable resource across all levels of the workforce system.

Gregg has served with distinction on the Board of Directors of the Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association (PWDA), where he brings historical perspective, sound governance, and a collaborative spirit to statewide conversations about the future of workforce development. His voice is often one of wisdom and balance, helping guide strategic decisions that shape programs across the Commonwealth. Colleagues admire Gregg for his candor, dedication, and leadership. He is a mentor to many and a trusted partner to all, someone who leads not for his recognition but for the betterment of his organization and community. His approach has helped sustain the West Central workforce system through decades of legislative change, economic shifts, and evolving public needs.

Gregg’s legacy is one of integrity, service, and impact. His decades of leadership have helped build a stronger, more resilient workforce system in Western Pennsylvania and across the state. He exemplifies what it means to lead with purpose – and the field of workforce development is better because of his enduring contributions.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Gregg is a devoted family man. He and his wife Lori have been happily married for 34 years and are the proud parents of three adult children – Matt, Ryan, and Delaney. A lifelong basketball enthusiast, Gregg is a former award-winning high school and college athlete and later applied his love for the game as a respected coach. The discipline, teamwork, and perseverance he honed on the court have remained at the heart of his professional life.

“In his many years of service to workforce development, Gregg Dogan has consistently exceeded expectations by demonstrating exceptional performance, teamwork, and leadership,” said Mary Salony Executive Director of the Tri-County WDB. “Gregg leads the West Central Workforce Development Area by working collaboratively with many partners. He promotes workforce development across the state and works at the Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association. Gregg’s willingness to share insights and lead by example has impacted many workforce professionals. I am grateful for Gregg’s assistance and straightforwardness in answering questions. Gregg tries to make a complicated system easier to understand.”

The Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association (PWDA) serves as the voice of the Pennsylvania workforce development system and a clearinghouse for workforce development information statewide. Known for Pennsylvania’s premier annual workforce development gathering every spring, we provide development and capacity-building opportunities to workforce development professionals, local workforce development boards (WDBs), and other stakeholders while continuing proactive advocacy efforts on behalf of Pennsylvania’s workforce development system. Learn more by visiting https://www.pawork.org 

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PWDA Announces Governor’s Employer Award for Achievement for Local Employers and Organizations 

Hershey, PA—Today, the Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association announced that nine local employers and organizations were recipients of the Governor’s Employer Award for Achievement. The awardees were honored at the Association’s 41st Annual Conference on April 30, 2025, in Hershey. The Governor’s Employer Award for Achievement recognizes Pennsylvania employers who support workforce development in their communities. These employers have created jobs and partnered to hire skilled workers through Pennsylvania’s workforce development system.

“Our workforce development partners are making their communities stronger and we’re proud to highlight their leadership,” said Lauren Holubec, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association. “Businesses that receive the Governor’s Employer Award for Achievement are working with Labor and Industry and local workforce organizations to make sure workers get the training they need for opportunities close to home. They’re opening their doors for veterans and individuals with disabilities to thrive in the workforce. We commend these efforts to make sure every Pennsylvanian has a chance to build a career and succeed right here in the Commonwealth.”

“Pennsylvania’s workforce is strongest when employers and state and local partners come together to invest in people. The businesses recognized today are opening doors, breaking down barriers, and creating real opportunities for workers across the Commonwealth,” Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry Secretary Nancy A. Walker said. “Their commitment to building pathways to good jobs — for veterans, for individuals with disabilities, and for all Pennsylvanians — represents the spirit of collaboration and innovation that drives this great Commonwealth forward.” 

PWDA presents its prestigious Governor’s Achievement Employers Awards with its partners, the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR), the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry Workforce Deputate (L & I), the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, and new this year the Pennsylvania Department of Military & Veterans Affairs. 

2025 Governor’s Employer Award for Achievement: 

Cleanlogic | Audubon, Pennsylvania

McConway & Torley | Pittsburgh, PA

Chance Aluminum Corporation | Williamsport, PA

Orbit Software | Pottstown, PA

East Penn Manufacturing | Lyons, PA 

2025 Recognizing Valor – Employers Hiring Veterans

J &J Truck Bodies & Trailers | Somerset, PA

Lockheed Martin Corporation | Davidsville, PA

M.I.C. Industries Inc. | Elton, PA

Cleanlogic | Greater Philadelphia Area

Cleanlogic, a personal care company, is committed to creating inclusive opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Inspired by the personal experiences of co-founders Mike Ghesser and Isaac Shapiro, Cleanlogic has woven accessibility and inclusion into the fabric of its company culture.

The company’s manufacturing and distribution center is designed with people in mind, offering specialized job aids and station accommodations to ensure success for every employee. In partnership with the Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR), Cleanlogic has hired more than 10 individuals with disabilities, including individuals who are blind, neurodiverse, or living with hearing loss.

Beyond hiring, Cleanlogic hosts work-based learning and job shadowing experiences for high school students and regularly offers disability etiquette and awareness training through OVR’s Business Services team. The company has also participated in OVR-sponsored business panels to share best practices with other employers.

For its leadership in advancing inclusive employment, Cleanlogic was honored with the 2025 PWDA Governor’s Achievement Award for Employer of Workers with Disabilities.

J & J Truck Bodies & Trailers | Somerset, PA

J & J Truck Bodies & Trailers, a division of Somerset Welding & Steel and a subsidiary of Riggs Industries has been building quality steel dump bodies since 1958. Originally serving coal haulers and farmers, J & J has grown into a respected name in the region’s manufacturing economy.

J & J is proud to be a veteran-friendly employer with a company culture supporting military families and veterans. The Somerset location currently employs 10 veterans and has successfully placed veterans into On-the-Job Training (OJT) programs, including two hires in 2023. An additional OJT opportunity for veterans is open in 2024.

Human Resources Specialist Taylor Gontis has been instrumental in building J & J’s veteran outreach program. She regularly attends job fairs, identifies veteran talent for OJT opportunities, and implements strategies for recruiting and retaining veterans.

J & J’s commitment to veterans is clear, and the company and Taylor Gontis are deserving of recognition for their ongoing efforts to support those who have served.

Lockheed Martin Corporation | Johnstown, PA Region

Lockheed Martin is a global leader in aerospace and defense, and a proud veteran employer with deep ties to Pennsylvania’s workforce system. The company currently employs 60 veterans at its local facilities, including four new veteran hires in 2024.

Lockheed Martin has shown a strong commitment to workforce development by leading the creation of a group apprenticeship program for Machinists-Tool and Die. In partnership with PA CareerLink®, BWPO, SAWDB, ATO, and JARI, this program is set to expand advanced manufacturing training for the company and the region.

In addition to apprenticeship initiatives, Lockheed Martin hosts frequent job fairs and hiring events in partnership with PA CareerLink® Cambria and Somerset Counties, drawing strong attendance from local jobseekers.

Lockheed Martin’s leadership team, including Patrick McCann, is also deeply engaged in workforce planning through active involvement with the Southern Alleghenies Workforce Development Board.

Beyond recruitment, Lockheed works closely with local schools to promote manufacturing careers and inspire the next generation of skilled workers.

Lockheed Martin’s ongoing partnership with PA CareerLink® highlights how businesses and workforce systems can collaborate to build opportunities for veterans and skilled trades professionals.

McConway & Torley | Pittsburgh, PA

McConway & Torley (M&T), a steel foundry operating since 1869, has long been a part of Pittsburgh’s industrial heritage. In 2023, M&T partnered with the Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO) to provide transitional jobs for individuals returning home from incarceration.

CEO’s on-site work crews have offered participants immediate employment and hands-on training, and five individuals have already transitioned into full-time roles at M&T. All five remain employed and continue to advance through the company’s training programs.

Starting wages range from $17.50 to more than $20 per hour, with comprehensive benefits including medical coverage and paid time off. As HR Director Tyler Malone says, “If someone is reliable, the sky’s the limit, and we will train you to do whatever you want to do.”

M&T’s commitment to second chances and workforce development makes it a valued employer and partner in building a stronger Pittsburgh community.

M.I.C. Industries Inc. | Elton, PA

M.I.C. Industries Inc., founded in 1981, is the creator of the Ultimate Building Machine® (UBM®) technology, used in over 70 countries to fabricate and construct buildings for military, industrial, agricultural, and commercial applications.

M.I.C. is a proud FCJL employer with a strong veteran-inclusive culture. The Elton site currently employs 10 veterans, and the company continues to offer On-the-Job Training (OJT) opportunities, with an active search for new veteran candidates in 2025.

Plant Manager Paul Erb, a former participant in PA CareerLink®’s OJT program himself, has championed veteran hiring initiatives at M.I.C. He regularly attends job fairs, screens applicants, and works closely with PA CareerLink® to connect veterans with meaningful career paths.

Erb’s personal experience with CareerLink services gives him a unique perspective on the value veterans bring to the workforce, and he has built a model partnership between M.I.C. and local workforce programs.

M.I.C. Industries and Paul Erb deserve recognition for their outstanding support of veterans and commitment to growing Pennsylvania’s skilled workforce.

Chance Aluminum Corporation | Williamsport, PA

Chance Aluminum Corporation purchased an aluminum mill in Williamsport in 2021, rebuilding the facility, retaining workers, and creating new jobs. A key strategy to the company’s success is its partnership with PA Careerlink® Lycoming County.

The consultative services of the Business Solutions Team (BST) have resulted in tailored recruitment events and job posting assistance on CWDS to ensure Chance Aluminum connects with talented individuals.

In 2024, the company welcomed 37 new employees, with plans to bring on more than 40 in 2025 and 113 full-time positions by 2027. Chance Aluminum values employee training, so when the BST discussed On-the-Job Training (OJT) through PA Careerlink®, the company was interested. The company has used OJT to equip five new employees with the hands-on skills they need to succeed.

Further, Chance works to ensure the wages they pay employees are competitive, and they utilize the labor market analysis services from PA Careerlink® and Advance Central PA to help them achieve this.

“Chance Aluminum isn’t just a business but a lifeline for our community,” says Mayor Derek Slaughter. “Their partnership with PA Careerlink® has built a strong workforce and brought hope and stability to families who call Williamsport home. They embody what it means to care about your people.”

Orbit Software | Pottstown, PA

Orbit’s journey began in 1998 when they recognized a need for more efficient and effective transportation management. At the time, traditional methods of creating bus routes were slow and costly, often leading to job cuts in education and the elimination of vital programs like music and sports. Orbit’s leadership understood the impact this had on teachers, students, and communities, and they set out to create software that would not only streamline the process but also help preserve valuable jobs and school programs. Adding another level of workforce support for their school districts, Orbit Software produced a free e-book entitled “Keeping your bus fleet fully staffed despite driver shortages.”

As the company grew, so did its dedication to the well-being of its employees. Orbit Software collaborates with the PA CareerLink® Montgomery County and its Business Services Team (BST). They stay in contact and use the BST to help with writing job descriptions, developing candidate sourcing, staying up to date with labor market statistics, and ensuring its training programs allow its employees to be successful. Orbit’s commitment to professional growth and employee satisfaction is at the core of its operations, one employee at a time.

Having used Montgomery County’s On-The-Job Training (OJT) funds for many years, in 2024, Orbit made a significant move to adjust the pool of talented individuals for the company. They increased their starting OJT wage from the OJT minimum to $20 per hour to reflect a greater investment in their employees’ future. The increased starting wage, combined with structured raises at the successful completion of each pre-arranged milestone, meant that an employee starting at $20 per hour could see as much as a $5 per hour increase in six months.

Orbit also offers a comprehensive benefits package to support employees in every aspect of their lives. Orbit strives to create a work environment where employees can personally and professionally thrive. 

Although Orbit Software is a small company of less than 20 people, it has a proud legacy of significantly impacting the communities it serves. But equally important, they take pride in being an employer who values its people, offering career growth, fair compensation, and a work environment where employees are empowered to succeed.

East Penn Manufacturing | Lyons, PA 

As a dedicated partner of the PA CareerLink® system, East Penn actively recruits through job fairs, on-site recruitments, and collaborative events. In 2024, the company posted and filled nine positions via PA CareerLink® while engaging in initiatives that enhance workforce readiness. The company also supports career exploration for youth through its Manufacturing Co-Op Program, which offers high school seniors invaluable industry experience and a pathway to full-time careers. 

For slightly older students, East Penn has built a partnership with Reading Area Community College to prepare college students for a rewarding career in mechatronics through its Mechatronics Scholarship Program.

East Penn’s inclusive hiring practices set it apart. The company’s collaboration with the Literacy Council of Reading-Berks further demonstrates its commitment to workforce inclusivity by providing English proficiency training for employees aspiring to leadership roles and reverse ESL programs for supervisors to enhance team communication. In 2024, East Penn began offering ESL Level I classes in addition to Level II. 

In addition to its internal workforce development efforts, East Penn actively collaborates with organizations to foster women’s development. It is a Platinum sponsor of the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance’s Women2Women program and sponsors employees to participate in Battery Council International’s WGBI (Women in the Global Battery Industry) program. Dozens of women are sponsored every year-36 women were sponsored in WGBI in 2024- to build relationships and enhance their skills to promote career growth.

Furthermore, through its Women’s Leadership Initiative, the company promotes gender equity by fostering leadership skills, networking, and career advancement for women in traditionally underrepresented fields like engineering and production.

East Penn’s commitment to its employees is reflected in its family-sustaining wages, comprehensive benefits, and continuous training opportunities. For the 21st time, the Best Companies Group recognized the company in 2024 as one of the “Best Places to Work in PA,” a testament to its supportive culture and dedication to employee growth. Forbes and Statista also recognized East Penn as one of Pennsylvania’s Best-In-State employers for 2024, and the company received national recognition as one of the 2025 Best Places to Work in Manufacturing, also from the Best Companies Group.

From its innovative partnerships to community-driven programs, East Penn Manufacturing continues to set a benchmark for excellence in workforce development.

The Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association (PWDA) serves as the voice of the Pennsylvania workforce development system and a clearinghouse for workforce development information statewide. Known forPennsylvania’s premier annual workforce development gathering every spring, we provide development and capacity building opportunities to workforce development professionals, local workforce development boards (WDBs), and other stakeholders while continuing proactive advocacy efforts on behalf of Pennsylvania’s workforce development system. Learn more by visiting https://www.pawork.org 

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Report Underscores the Need for Workforce Development Investments to Address Wage Stagnation and Joblessness Among Key Demographic Groups

Harrisburg, PA: Today, the Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association released its Annual Labor Market Update, which includes a full-year review of Pennsylvania’s labor market data and other important economic indicators. The report found that while Pennsylvania’s economy is healthy, the labor market is rebalancing to favor employers and key demographic groups are facing workforce challenges. Workforce Development can help ensure that workers have the skills to fill available jobs and advance in their careers, breaking the cycle of wage stagnation. 

“Pennsylvania’s economy is healthy, but underlying factors make it clear that our policymakers must invest in workforce development,” said Carrie Amann, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association. “Our research shows a high share of prime-age men without jobs, one in seven in Pennsylvania. Additionally, workers without a college degree have experienced long-term wage stagnation. These populations are likely to benefit from robust workforce development services. If we focus on workforce development, Pennsylvania can build on its healthy economy and ensure that all Pennsylvanians can build strong, thriving careers in our commonwealth.”

PWDA’s Annual Labor Market Update provides a comprehensive view of the commonwealth’s economy, smoothing month-to-month fluctuations. The report assesses how Pennsylvania’s economy currently stands compared to four years ago and pre-pandemic.

For policymakers, administrators, workforce system boards and providers, and other partners interested in taking action informed by data, the Annual Update can help identify the workforce challenges Pennsylvania must address to build a thriving economy for all workers and businesses. 

Key Findings in the Annual Labor Market Update

Pennsylvania’s Labor Economy of the Last Two Years Has Been Healthy 

As highlighted in prior “Workforce Trends” reports, Pennsylvania’s economy in the last couple of years experienced, by several measures, the tightest labor market on record. The number of jobs in Pennsylvania increased steadily, providing employment for most Pennsylvania workers seeking a job. 

Available Workers and Jobs Have Rebalanced

The most recent months of data reveal a labor market rebalancing. Pennsylvania no longer has substantially more job openings than unemployed workers. Quit rates, one symptom of individual worker leverage, have dipped. The data also show that, even in the tighter labor market of 2023 and 2024, Pennsylvania made limited progress on some of our most vexing long-term labor market challenges, such as wage stagnation and large-scale joblessness among prime-age men (25-54 years old).

Workforce Development Remains Vital

In recent months, the economic challenges faced by non-college workers – nearly two-thirds of U.S. workers – have received unprecedented attention. Policy shifts outside the field of workforce development, most prominently on trade and immigration, have been in the limelight in national discussions. Also, expressed has been bipartisan support at the national and state levels for expanding apprenticeships. Given the high share of prime-age men without jobs, one in seven in Pennsylvania, and the long-term wage stagnation experienced by workers without a college degree, robust workforce development services and direct job creation must be part of national and state policy going forward.

A Snapshot of Pennsylvania’s Economy and Workforce

Pennsylvania’s Economy is Healthy, with Lower Unemployment Rates in Every Workforce Development Area Than Pre-Pandemic

Since 2022, the Pennsylvania labor market has offered robust job opportunities to our workers.

In December 2024 (the latest data available), Pennsylvania had 139,600 more jobs than in January 2020, the peak employment before the pandemic. Our job growth remained steady throughout 2024 and exceeded U.S. job growth in the year’s second half. Pennsylvania job growth usually runs along at only half of U.S. job growth.

The Pennsylvania unemployment rate equaled 3.6% in December 2024. Before mid-2022, the unemployment rate in Pennsylvania never dropped below 4%, going back to January 1976 (when the current state unemployment rate data series began). In the 30 months since July 2022, Pennsylvania’s unemployment rate has been at or below 4%.

Unemployment rates remain lower in every county and every Local Workforce Development Area (LWDA) than before the pandemic, with the drop in unemployment largest in the western half of Pennsylvania.

For an extended period from the summer of 2021 to late 2024, Pennsylvania had fewer unemployed workers than job openings for the first time on record. This ratio fell to 0.6 unemployed workers for each job opening at one point.

Recent Labor Market Tightening Shows an Increasingly Difficult Market for Workers, Stagnating Wages

In November 2024, the ratio of unemployed workers to job openings climbed back to one-to-one, giving workers less choice of jobs and employers more choice of workers.

Quit rates in Pennsylvania declined in recent months to 1.7%, down from a peak of 2.8% in May 2022. This suggests that workers have declining confidence in their ability to find an equivalent or better job if they quit.

Virtually all of Pennsylvania’s rural and western Local Workforce Development Areas (LWDAs) have fewer jobs now than before the pandemic. The eight LWDAs that saw the biggest job declines (in percent) are all in western Pennsylvania. Population trends leading to declining labor forces in these areas drive declining job numbers and low unemployment.

While inflation-adjusted wages grew 5% to 10% from 2019-2023 in the bottom half of the earnings distribution, they didn’t grow much. Updated data show that average weekly wages grew even less from 2019 to 2024. A big reason is the high rate of inflation in 2021 and 2022.

Prime-Age Men Struggle to Reach Historic Employment Levels

In 2023 (the most recent data), about 361,000 prime-age Pennsylvania men did not have jobs, an improvement from approximately 390,000 in 2019. We need another 260,000 jobs to return to 1960s employment rates for prime-age men. Eight of the 22 Workforce Development Areas have a prime-age employment rate of less than 80% – meaning that more than two of every 10 prime-age men are not employed.

One factor contributing to limited progress on prime-age male employment: Pennsylvania manufacturing and construction employment levels are still 1.6% below their pre-pandemic levels. Low blue-collar job growth highlights the importance of maintaining policies that grow public and private investment in manufacturing and construction.

“Pennsylvania’s long-term challenges underscore the continuing importance of workforce development services,” said Carrie Amann. “To boost jobs in western Pennsylvania, raise male employment rates, and achieve more substantial wage growth for non-college workers, we need to expand credential attainment and on-the-job training aligned with employer demand and  invest in barrier removal and retention supports customized to the needs of particular workers. The data also suggest that there is no escaping the need for direct job creation to reattach the long-term unemployed to the job market.”

The Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association (PWDA) serves as the voice of the Pennsylvania workforce development system and a clearinghouse for workforce development information statewide. Known forPennsylvania’s premier annual workforce development gathering every spring, we provide development and capacity building opportunities to workforce development professionals, local workforce development boards (WDBs), and other stakeholders while continuing proactive advocacy efforts on behalf of Pennsylvania’s workforce development system. Learn more by visiting https://www.pawork.org 

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HARRISBURG – Today, Governor Josh Shapiro delivered his annual budget address, outlining his administration’s priorities for the upcoming fiscal year. The Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association (PWDA) welcomes the governor’s focus on workforce development, and we look forward to working with the administration to ensure that every Pennsylvanian has access to the skills and training they need to thrive in today’s economy.

“Workforce development has been a bipartisan priority in Harrisburg and remains at the forefront of priorities for Pennsylvania employers, job seekers and communities,” said Carrie Amann, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association. “We are encouraged by the governor’s commitment to Pennsylvania’s economic growth and stand ready to collaborate with policymakers to make Pennsylvania’s workforce development system the strongest in the nation.”

In addition to key investments like Industry Partnerships, the Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association encourages the administration and the legislature to make critical investments in youth workforce development. Pennsylvania’s economy cannot wait – as Pennsylvania’s workforce ages, we need commonwealth-wide investments and programs to help prepare young people for careers in Pennsylvania. Our local workforce development system stands ready to keep young people living and working throughout the Commonwealth.

Governor Shapiro highlighted B. Braun Medical Inc. in his budget address as a leading life sciences company that contributes significantly to Pennsylvania’s economy by sourcing $200 million in raw materials and equipment from over 100 Pennsylvania-based suppliers. PWDA was proud to recognize B. Braun at its 2024 Annual Conference with the Governor’s Employer Award for Achievement for the company’s commitment to workforce development and investment in Pennsylvania’s workforce.

B. Braun’s success exemplifies the impact that strong workforce partnerships can have on economic growth. Their dedication to hiring skilled workers and investing in local talent underscores the importance of continued workforce development initiatives in Pennsylvania.

Additionally, the Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association will continue to advocate for legislation to #FreetheData, ensuring that employer and jobseeker success is prioritized and workforce boards have timely access to the readily available information they need to maximize investments and impact. 

The Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association (PWDA) serves as the voice of the Pennsylvania workforce development system and a clearinghouse for workforce development information statewide. Known for Pennsylvania’s premier annual workforce development gathering every spring, we provide development and capacity buildingopportunities to workforce development professionals, local workforce development boards (WDBs), and other stakeholders while continuing proactive advocacy efforts on behalf of Pennsylvania’s workforce development system. Learn more by visiting https://www.pawork.org 

Harrisburg, PA – Today, the Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association (PWDA) released its latest “Pennsylvania Workforce Trends” report, revealing that recent wage growth in Pennsylvania surpasses pre-pandemic levels and outpaces the national average. “Pennsylvania’s Workforce Trends” is part of a series on the latest workforce development and labor market information impacting Pennsylvania that distills critical information for policymakers and stakeholders to develop responsive workforce development policy.

“Pennsylvania’s wage growth is ahead of both its pre-pandemic levels and the national average,” said Carrie Amann, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association. “In Pennsylvania, we’re seeing strong wage growth for many workers including lower-wage workers, indicating a period of opportunity as employers are willing to pay more to attract and retain talent. Our workforce development system now has a unique chance to help more Pennsylvanians share in this prosperity.”

Key Findings:

• Pennsylvania Wage Growth Exceeding Pre-Pandemic Levels: Pennsylvania’s inflation-adjusted wages in 2023 have not only returned to but slightly exceeded their pre-pandemic levels. The Bureau of Labor Statistics also reports nearly a 4% increase in average hourly earnings for non-supervisory employees from 2019 to mid-2024.

• Pennsylvania Wage Growth Outpaces U.S.: Pennsylvania’s overall wage growth from 2019 to 2023 has been slightly faster than the U.S. average. Pennsylvania’s wages have grown across all income levels but still lag the U.S.’s at lower income levels. In the 10th percentile, U.S. wages grew by 13.4%, compared to 9.2% in Pennsylvania, likely due to other states raising their minimum wages. In 2023, Pennsylvania’s median wage reached 104% of the national median wage, its highest level since 1997. 

• Wage Growth By Local Workforce Development Areas (LWDAs): From the first quarter of 2019 to the fourth quarter of 2023, 15 of Pennsylvania’s 22 LWDAs saw growth in average weekly wages. Lancaster County led with a 6.3% increase, likely due to its low unemployment rate. However, some suburban Philadelphia counties experienced wage declines during this period, including Montgomery, Delaware, and Chester Counties.

The Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association (PWDA) serves as the voice of the Pennsylvania workforce development system and a clearinghouse for workforce development information statewide. Known for Pennsylvania’s premier annual workforce development gathering every spring, we provide development and capacity building opportunities to workforce development professionals, local workforce development boards (WDBs), and other stakeholders while continuing proactive advocacy efforts on behalf of Pennsylvania’s workforce development system. Learn more by visiting https://www.pawork.org

Click on the image below for the full report.

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