News

Last week, the Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association welcomed members, stakeholders and partners to its 2023 Workforce Symposium. 

Attendees networked, learned, and exchanged ideas on topics that impact workforce development. 

The symposium also offered an opportunity for attendees to talk with their colleagues about their strategies, share knowledge, discuss program designs, and learn more about how to build capacity locally. 

Pennsylvania workforce leaders like Secretary Nancy Walker spoke to the attendees and shared the Shapiro administration’s strategies and plans to build the strongest workforce in the nation. 

We were also joined by WJAC/ABC23 who covered the symposium. Take a look at the clip: 

Our members and state leaders are dedicated to building the nation’s strongest workforce right here in Pennsylvania. We are always thankful to have the opportunity to get together with all of our members, stakeholders, and friends to talk workforce development and the strategies that allow all Pennsylvanians to succeed. 

We recognize every September as workforce development month nationally and in Pennsylvania. It’s an opportunity to acknowledge workforce professionals who help job seekers, workers, and employers who serve Pennsylvania ever day as we recognize national workforce development month.

This month, the Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association will  highlight our members’ success over the last year. 

We are proud of the initiatives and training programs in the workforce development system that have helped to make Pennsylvania’s workforce the strongest in the nation. 

What is workforce development month? 

Each September, we acknowledge workforce development month to raise awareness and highlight the importance of developing and enhancing the skills of the workforce. 

We will promote various initiatives, programs, and resources aimed at helping individuals acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in the job market and meet the demands of employers.

Workforce development month celebrates the efforts and achievements of individuals, employers, educators, and other stakeholders involved in workforce development and the local workforce community. 

How are we celebrating workforce development month?  

We work with workforce development professionals throughout Pennsylvania, and we want to use workforce development month to share some of their stories and highlight the work they do for our workers, job seekers, and business. 

Nominate someone to share their story by emailing info@pawork.org.

We want to hear from all of our members and stakeholders from PA CareerLinks to our local workforce development boards.

We want to celebrate success stories, highlight the best workforce development programs, and tell Pennsylvanians all of the ways the workforce development community help Pennsylvania. 

Share your story today or nominate someone for us to highlight info@pawork.org.

Yesterday, Governor Josh Shapiro announced the development of a new workforce training program and a corresponding executive order to coordinate federal funding for Pennsylvania companies, contractors, and unions to train workers to fill critical jobs in Pennsylvania. The administration will use funding from the IIJA and IRA to fund the $400 workforce development and on-the-job training program.

The Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association appreciates the administration’s continued focus on making our workforce development system the strongest in the nation. 

As the administration develops program guidance and guidelines, we look forward to working with them to make the Commonwealth Workforce Transformation Program successful. 

We will ensure that our partners and stakeholders have a voice as the administration finalizes and implements the program. We need to ensure that the people on the ground doing the work have a role in developing this groundbreaking workforce development program.

Workforce organizations can learn more about the program by visiting pa.gov/newjobs.

Legislation Introduced in the Pennsylvania Senate 

House Cosponsor Memo Drops 

 #FreetheData Campaign Urges Legislature to Make Workforce Data Available Without a 24-Month Delay

Harrisburg, PA: Bipartisan momentum is building in the Pennsylvania legislature to #FreetheData and end the 24-month data lag for workforce development organizations and employers. Last week, Sen. Camera Bartolotta (R-Washington) introduced legislation following her earlier cosponsor memo. In the House, Reps. Jennifer O’Mara (D-Delaware) and Kate Klunk (R-York) circulated a similar cosponsor memo. The Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association is leading a coalition of business organizations, labor unions, and social service agencies. and campaign to pass legislation allowing better access to workforce data from the Commonwealth. 

“We’re encouraged by recent bipartisan legislative action to #FreetheData that will help ensure our workforce development system can implement policies that help Pennsylvania workers, employers, and our economy,” said Carrie Amann, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association. “Pennsylvania’s local workforce system serves a critical role to help employers find and keep skilled talent and connect students and job-seekers to quality jobs, but they cannot do that with outdated data and information. This simple fix will make it easier for our workforce leaders to design effective programs that will get Pennsylvanians into good jobs and help our businesses grow.”

Currently, local workforce boards and other stakeholders in Pennsylvania are experiencing a severe data lag that makes it difficult to evaluate and change workforce policies and programs effectively. Specifically, Unemployment Compensation and new hire data can take up to 24 months to access from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry. Two-year-old data does not provide enough information to redesign programs or processes that improve customer outcomes. In the last several years, we have seen how quickly economic and workforce conditions have changed. We need access to more real-time data that reflect the realities in the field for our workforce development system. 

Pennsylvania’s local workforce system spends millions of dollars and countless hours tracking down similar data that the state already holds. #FreetheData seeks to fix this costly and inefficient practice. Improved local data sharing and utilization will equip local workforce boards to engage job-seekers more timely and tailor services that meet the needs of both employers and workers.

The proposed legislation to #FreetheData has two primary components. 

First, the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry should share unemployment claims, unemployment wages, and new hire database information with Pennsylvania’s local workforce development boards and other stakeholders for performance accountability, evaluation, and research. 

Second, the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry should develop an accessible and usable dashboard platform that allows streamlined, user-friendly access to the data at any point in time.

The Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association is leading a coalition of workforce and community development organizations, including Allies for Children, Builders Guild of Western PA and Pittsburgh Works Together, Keystone Development Partnership, Keystone Research Center, Manufacturers’ Association of South Central PA, National Federation of Independent Business PA, PA Chamber of Business and Industry, Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children, and the United Way of 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 

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Last week, Carrie Amann, the Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association (PWDA), testified before the Center for Rural Pennsylvania, focusing on workforce development strategies for rural areas in the state. Amann highlighted the critical role of the local workforce development boards (LWDBs) in bringing together education, business, and the workforce to address the state’s workforce needs. Through the PA CareerLink® system, individuals, job seekers, workers, and employers can access public workforce development services at nearly 60 locations across Pennsylvania.

The testimony shed light on key conditions that continually shape the work and advocacy efforts of PWDA. Pennsylvania needs more available workers, with only six unemployed persons for every ten job openings. While the state’s unemployment rate is 4.1%, indicating near full employment, the labor force participation rate is 62%. Pennsylvania needs innovative approaches to workforce development.

Amann emphasized the importance of retaining workers in rural communities, where the lack of labor supply and out-migration have significant impacts. She highlighted two effective strategies employed in rural workforce systems to combat this issue: Summer Youth Employment and Business-Education Partnerships.

Summer Youth Employment

Summer Youth Employment programs, designed to promote career opportunities to youth aged 13 to 24, provide short-term work experiences, internships, and skill development. Through these programs, young individuals gain valuable insights into local career opportunities while employers engage with and strengthen their ties to the future talent pool.

Business Education Partnerships

Amann also emphasized Business-Education Partnerships (BEPs) as a successful approach linking education and employment. BEPs foster collaboration between schools, employers, students, and parents, breaking down silos and creating career-oriented experiences. Despite challenges in federal funding for BEPs, these partnerships have proven effective in facilitating direct engagement between students and businesses, providing students with valuable insights into potential career paths.

Amann further highlighted the importance of aligning education and training with employer-defined skills and competencies. To meet workforce needs, Pennsylvania must explore innovative post-secondary education and training approaches, such as “Grow Your Own” strategies, where businesses team with partners in the workforce development system to upskill and train employees and workers to match the needs of the employers. 

#FreetheData

Amann stressed the importance of real-time access to employment and workforce data, urging the passage of legislation to #FreetheData. Timely access to accurate data would enable local workforce development boards and stakeholders to develop effective strategies and address service delivery gaps more efficiently. Right now, it takes up to 24 months for organizations to get workforce data from the Department of Labor and Industry. More timely access to data will help organizations tailor policies and initiatives to better match workers and employers. 

In concluding her testimony, Amann expressed PWDA’s commitment to working with policymakers and legislators to develop and implement strategies that equip workers with the skills needed to succeed in the 21st-century economy. Pennsylvania can ensure its residents’ prosperity by fostering a strong, resilient, and effective workforce development system.

“PWDA looks forward to continued collaboration with stakeholders to drive innovative workforce development solutions and create a brighter future for Pennsylvania’s workforce,” said Amann.

Annual Award is Presented a Local Innovative, Workforce Development Leader

Hershey, PA – Today, during the 39th annual Pennsylvania Workforce Development Conference, the Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association named Jennifer Butler, Executive Director of the Montgomery County Workforce Development Board (MontcoWorks), as the recipient of the prestigious Workforce Phoenix Award for her exemplary leadership and contributions to Pennsylvania’s local workforce development system. MontcoWorks, and a colleague, Jane Stein, nominated Jennifer. 

“Jennifer’s leadership and contributions to Montgomery County’s workforce development system are truly exemplary,” said Carrie Amann, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association. “Her tireless efforts to provide equitable access to all career seekers and employers have made a significant impact on the workforce development landscape in Montgomery County. The PWDA congratulates Jenni on this well-deserved honor and looks forward to her continued leadership and service.”

Jennifer embodies all the characteristics of a great workforce development leader. She is a servant leader and coalition builder. She began her workforce development career in 1993 as a GED instructor, holding various positions since then. 

Jennifer’s passion for helping design a system that encourages and empowers career seekers, employers, and her staff to be the best versions of themselves is why she should be the Phoenix! Her innovative ideas and relentless drive have made her an invaluable leader in the workforce development space.

Jennifer became Executive Director of MontcoWorks during one of the most significant transitions in workforce policy – when WIOA replaced WIA as the overarching workforce policy in the country. Jennifer made it her mission to implement programming promoting a thriving economic and workforce development system in Montgomery County. Her innovative work to draw ARPA funding recently provided solutions and success for low-wage workers and employers.

“Jennifer is known for being open to new ideas and exploring every opportunity available to support the needs of the workforce development system,” said Jane Stein, who nominated Jennifer. “She is passionate about providing opportunities for individuals to gain employment with family-sustaining wages in a career pathway that meets their interests, skills, and aptitudes. Jennifer is empathetic to the struggles faced by career seekers, employers, staff, partners, and stakeholders and can provide sound advice no matter the circumstance.”

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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Hershey, PA – Today, the Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association announced that seven local employers and organizations were recipients of the Governor’s Employer Award for Achievement, to be honored at the Association’s 39th Annual Conference on May 3-5, 2023, in Hershey.

“Congratulations to all of the employers and organizations who have earned recognition for their partnerships that have brought more skilled workers into the workforce,” said Carrie Amann, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association. “Across Pennsylvania, employers and other organizations are helping to train workers and grow our economy. We’re proud to work with these organizations and recognize their contributions.” 

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), and the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services. This award recognizes Pennsylvania employers that are exemplary supporters of workforce, community, and economic development in the commonwealth and which have created jobs and partnered to hire skilled workers through Pennsylvania’s workforce development system. 

2020 Governor’s Employer Award for Achievement: 

• Goodwill Industries of North Central Pennsylvania  (Falls Creek, PA) 
• Flowline (New Castle,PA) 
• Filterbuy (New Kensington, PA) 
• Alpek Polyster (also known as DAK Americas, LCC, Reading, PA) 
• County of Greene (Waynesburg, PA) 
• Project Destiny (Pittsburgh, PA) 
• PeopleShare (Philadelphian, PA)

Falls Creek, PA – Goodwill Industries of North Central Pennsylvania, Inc. (Goodwill) is a non-profit organization that has been serving the community since 1966. While the organization is well-known for its 25 retail stores across 15 counties, covering Cameron, Centre, Clarion, Clearfield, Clinton, Elk, Forest, Jefferson, McKean, Potter, Tioga, Venango, and Warren, Goodwill’s mission extends beyond the retail space. Goodwill has a long-standing commitment to creating job opportunities for people in the community, turning donations into employment for 700 people in the 15 counties they serve. Their Mission Services Department is made up of 43 dedicated employees who provide over 78,000 hours of training to over 3,000 people each year. Goodwill offers 10 Mission Services Programs designed to meet the specific needs of the community, including Driver’s Education, the Goodwill Greenhouse, Job Training Programs, Supported Employment, and the School Program. Goodwill partners with organizations like the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation and Service Access and Management to provide these programs, ensuring that everyone in the community has access to the support they need. In addition to their focus on job creation and training, Goodwill partners with the PA CareerLink® to provide hands-on experience to youth and adults facing barriers. They understand the value of Work Experience (WEX) programs and provide retail and processing opportunities to Out-of-School and TANF Youth in their stores and distribution centers. Goodwill also supports in-school initiatives, partnering with Workforce Solutions for North Central PA Business Education Partnership for Clearfield and Jefferson Counties (BEP) and Jeff Tech to evaluate students for driver’s license readiness. They also participate in career fairs and provide staff for mock interviews in local schools. Goodwill’s commitment to sustainability is also evident through their promotion of responsible and safe recycling practices. The second-hand nature of many of their goods promotes sustainable jobs while keeping items out of landfills. Goodwill’s Dell Reconnect electronic recycling program highlights their dedication to the local environment. Goodwill is also committed to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and plans to expand their DEI programming. Goodwill understands the importance of community and resources, and they are dedicated to recruiting local graduating youth. The organization aims to meet life challenges through opportunity, education, training, and work. It is because of Goodwill’s unwavering commitment to the community that they have been awarded the Governor’s Achievement Award.

New Castle, PA – Over the last decade, Flowline has shared a strong working relationship with West Central Job Partnership (WCJP) and the PA Careerlink® Lawrence County. This relationship exemplifies the kind of partnership needed to reach out to local job seekers and connect them to an employer who is willing to work with them to provide a self-sufficient wage and great working environment so that success can be shared by all. Flowline’s Human Resource Director, Helmut Kraus, routinely posts jobs on the PA Careerlink® Lawrence County’s website, participates in hiring events, and is knowledgeable of local labor market information. Helmut frequently utilizes the WIOA Title I On-The-Job-Training (OJT) program. He actively works with WCJP, BWPO, and other partner staff to share job openings at Flowline. He is always willing to offer those job opportunities to PA Careerlink® participants with significant barriers, including those struggling with disabilities, limited transportation, long-term unemployment, and homelessness. If Helmut needs something workforce-related, he turns to the PA Careerlink® Lawrence County and vice versa. Flowline can be considered a role model for other employers having experienced the destabilization of the workforce during and after the COVID-19 Pandemic. Being faced with the possibility of shutting down, employee turnover, and ballooning payroll costs, Flowline found that utilizing the OJT program would help blunt the spike in onboarding costs and open additional positions to candidates who would otherwise be overlooked. A working relationship with Flowline and the opportunities created by Flowline’s utilization of OJT funding has allowed the PA Careerlink® Lawrence County to become a talent pipeline for them. Title I (WCJP) and BWPO staff are able to directly refer clients to Flowline with a high probability of them being hired and retained. Flowline, in turn, can refer job seekers to the PA Careerlink® Lawrence County where they can receive and be referred to any services that they may need to secure employment. Having access to Supportive Services can mean the difference between a hire with barriers starting work and missing a job opportunity over something as simple as the inability to afford work boots. Having an employer in the community who understands the need for continuous development of the workforce is priceless.

New Kensington, PA – Filterbuy LLC PA is a prime example of a company that is not only invested in the success of its business but also the well-being of its local community. As a manufacturer of air filters, Filterbuy has become a beacon of hope for countless local residents seeking new opportunities in the workforce. The company’s partnership with PA CareerLink® Alle-Kiski has been invaluable in creating new job opportunities for local job seekers with entry-level skills. As soon as the news broke that Filterbuy would be bringing dozens of new jobs to the area, calls flooded into the PA CareerLink® Alle-Kiski office with questions about the jobs and how to apply. Filterbuy’s commitment to the community did not stop there; the company also utilized resources available through the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, Veterans Services, and a Youth GED program to ensure that all job seekers had access to the support they needed to secure employment. Filterbuy’s dedication to its employees is equally impressive. The company’s On the Job Training opportunities and labor exchange placements resulted in several successful placements, with some employees advancing into supervisory roles with higher wages. Filterbuy is also proud to be a second-chance employer, offering opportunities to those looking to make a change and break cycles of lengthy unemployment. In 2022, Filterbuy’s workforce grew by an impressive 161 percent and currently employs an average roster of 140 full-time employees. The company’s diverse employee population includes a majority who walk to work, those with learning disabilities, and individuals who have struggled to find reliable employment due to a lack of transportation or a valid driver’s license. Filterbuy’s commitment to its employees goes beyond just offering a competitive starting wage. The company also provides opportunities for advancement and benefits after just 60 days of employment, enabling more residents of the Alle-Kiski Valley to break cycles of unemployment and secure stable employment. Looking ahead, Filterbuy is projecting to add between 60 and 80 full-time employees by the end of 2023. The company’s growth is a testament to its commitment to the community and its partnership with PA CareerLink® Alle-Kiski and its partner agencies.

Reading, PA – Alpek Polyester, also known as DAK Americas LLC, is a leading producer of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resins in the Western Hemisphere. PET is a commonly used material for plastic bottles and containers for packaging food, beverages, and other similar products. In Reading, Pennsylvania, Alpek operates a bottle-to-bottle recycling facility, where they break down old recycled plastic bottles and create rPET for making new plastic bottles. Despite being a relatively new company in the area, Alpek has made great efforts to collaborate with the community, workforce, and economic entities to create job and growth opportunities for workers in the region. Alpek is committed to providing family-sustaining job opportunities to members of the Limited English Proficiency community, specifically Spanish-speaking individuals. The company is proud to offer work-related documents and materials in both English and Spanish and has a team of bilingual supervisors and managers to support Spanish-speaking-only staff. In 2022, Alpek hired 72 employees, with a high percentage being predominantly Spanish-speaking. Knowing that the language barrier would be a critical factor in employing locals and working with the community, Alpek collaborated closely with the Literacy Council of Reading/Berks to develop an in-house ESL program to bridge the language gap for non-English speaking incumbent workers. The company believes that increasing the language skills of their incumbent worker staff adds value to each employee, both professionally and personally. The rollout of their ESL classes began in 2022, and so far, they have seen excellent participation and interest from their employees. Alpek’s efforts to benefit the lives of their staff have not gone unnoticed and have helped a great deal in attracting future talent through community and incumbent worker referrals. Additionally, Alpek works with Berks Connections and Pretrial Services (BCPS), a nonprofit organization that provides both pretrial services and reentry programming for inmates and returning citizens. The company provides employment opportunities to ex-offenders in the Berks County Region and has participated in recruitment events and job fairs with the agency. They also participate in graduation events for programs such as the Rebuilding Reentrants and Reading Program (R3). Alpek is an active member of the Great Reading Chamber Alliance (GRCA) and collaborates with this entity on various workforce development initiatives, including the Next Generation Industry Partnership, presenting during their Women in Manufacturing Seminars, serving as a panelist for a discussion on Talent and Attraction during the GRCA’s annual Manufacturing Summit, serving as a committee member to the “Mujer a Mujer” group to represent and assist in visibility for the Latino population, and collaborating with the GRCA to conduct incumbent worker training for their staff. Alpek’s HR Manager has been a board member of the Berks Latino Workforce Development Corporation since its inception, assisting with the hiring process. The mission of the BLWDC is to move Latinos out of poverty and to create economic wealth and opportunities in the County of Berks.

Waynesburg PA – The County of Greene, has shown exceptional dedication to providing employment opportunities for individuals in their community. The County of Greene has long been involved with the Southwest Corner Employment and Advanced Retention Network (EARN) program, with Cara Montgomery, Director of Human Resources for the County of Greene, maintaining communication with EARN when searching for qualified candidates to fill their open positions. During the pandemic, the County of Greene reached out to the Southwest Corner EARN program for assistance in filling a temporary position in the Elections Office. EARN’s Case Manager recommended one of their clients for the role, and the EARN Job Developer met with Cara Montgomery to discuss a subsidized employment contract for the position. The client began working in the Elections Office under the joint supervision of the Elections Director and Cara Montgomery, with the Job Developer periodically checking on their progress. They were praised for their excellent work, and the County expressed hopes of hiring them on permanently. In July 2022, the County of Greene again contacted the Southwest Corner EARN program, this time through the CDBG/HOME Program, to request assistance in filling an office administration position. The EARN client was interviewed and ultimately hired. They worked in this role under an apprenticeship through the County of Greene until being hired on directly. The client remains employed by the County of Greene, and their hourly wage has increased from $10.00 to $16.15. The Board of Commissioners in Greene County has been consistently supportive of the Southwest Corner EARN program, always available to work with and assist them in any way possible. Commissioner Mike Belding even provides presentations for the benefit of EARN clients upon request. The County of Greene and the Southwest Corner EARN program have established a great working relationship and candidate referral system, continuing to utilize EARN as their main resource for client referrals when job openings arise.

Pittsburgh, PA – EDSI’s Reemployment Transition Center has established a close partnership with Project Destiny, a non-profit organization in Pittsburgh’s North Side, which aims to provide programming and resources to help underprivileged youth and their families. Project Destiny is committed to serving families in the Pittsburgh area through various programs, including THRIVE18, Youth and Family Engagement, Early Learning Centers for children aged 6 weeks to 6 years old, and an Arts Academy for youth. EDSI’s Business Services Representative contacted Pastor Brenda Gregg, the founder of Project Destiny, to assist the organization in meeting their hiring needs. The representative discussed the possibilities available through an On-the-Job Training (OJT) agreement, and the two organizations have had successful OJT placements this program year. They are currently working on finalizing additional placements for EARN participants with the agency. In June 2022, Project Destiny hired an EARN participant to serve as their Cultural Consultant. Moreover, the organization regularly shares information about its services and programs with EDSI’s EARN and Work Ready program clients. EDSI is excited about the relationship they have built with Project Destiny and will continue to build on this partnership to connect participants to employment and on-the-job training opportunities.

Philadelphia, PA – PeopleShare is being recognized for its partnership with OVR to hire and retain individuals with disabilities. There are many examples of PeopleShare’s commitment to this partnership, including their regular participation in Philadelphia OVR’s annual job fair. In addition, the Business Service Team at Philadelphia OVR collaborated with PeopleShare in the past year to develop On-the-Job Training (OJT) contracts for their temporary positions. Since August 2021, PeopleShare has hired thirteen of OVR’s customers for various positions, and they continue to accept resumes and recruit for OVR customers to their many employer clients. Furthermore, when PeopleShare has a large number of positions to fill, they reach out to OVR to assist in filling those jobs. The success of the OVR and PeopleShare partnership can be seen in their recent collaboration with Zachary Rogers, PeopleShare’s Director of Strategic Partnerships. Together, they supported one of OVR’s customers in obtaining a temporary position under an OJT contract. During this collaboration, Zachary and his team promptly submitted required documents and communicated any issues that would arise. PeopleShare also worked with OVR to ensure that accommodations were met for this customer. Thanks to this successful partnership and the customer’s hard work and dedication, the individual was able to succeed and was offered a full-time, permanent position at PeopleShare when the OJT ended. During the past six months, PA OVR has connected PeopleShare with other state VR agencies, helping people with disabilities in other states access employment opportunities. PeopleShare is also pursuing the approval of a Registered Apprenticeship Program for a sourcing recruiter. When the registered apprenticeship is approved, OVR hopes to refer even more of their customers for this position. Congratulations to PeopleShare, and great job to the Philadelphia Business Services Team – Sally Belli and Tasha Carter.

The Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association is proud to announce that we are leading a coalition to #FreetheData.  

The Pennsylvania workforce is changing, so policymakers and administrators must work together to ensure that programs effectively serve job seekers, workers, and employers. A coalition of stakeholders has echoed this sentiment, and that’s why we’ve launched the #FreetheData campaign to push for legislation that will allow for better access to workforce data.

The proposed legislation to #FreetheData has two primary components. 

First, the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry should share unemployment claim, unemployment wage, and new hire database information with Pennsylvania’s local workforce development boards and other stakeholders for performance accountability, evaluation, and research. 

Second, the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry should develop an accessible and usable dashboard platform that allows streamlined, user-friendly access to the data at any point in time.

Fix the Data Lag, Free the Data

Currently, local workforce boards and other stakeholders in Pennsylvania are experiencing a severe data lag that makes it difficult to evaluate and change workforce policies and programs effectively. Specifically, Unemployment Compensation and new hire data can take up to 24 months to access from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry. The data we receive must provide more information to redesign programs or processes that improve workforce outcomes.

Economic and workforce conditions can change quickly, making it essential to have access to real-time data that accurately reflects the realities in the field for Pennsylvania’s workforce development system. The coalition behind the #FreetheData campaign is urging the legislature and the Shapiro Administration to pass legislation that will allow for more timely services for workers, job seekers, and employers.

It’s important to note that Pennsylvania already collects and protects non-identifiable workforce data on unemployment claimants, unemployment wages, and new hires. The coalition is not asking for new data but, instead, for more timely access to the data that the commonwealth already provides. More timely data will allow local workforce development boards to address service delivery gaps more efficiently and improve government transparency and openness.

Our #FreetheData campaign is about creating a more competitive and prosperous Pennsylvania where all residents benefit from a strong, resilient, and effective workforce development system. Our coalition hopes that policymakers, administrators, and other stakeholders will join them in advocating for better access to workforce data and support the proposed legislation to #FreetheData. 

We hope you join us to help create a brighter future for Pennsylvania’s workforce.

#FreeTheData Campaign Urges Legislature to Pass Bills to Save Costs by Making Workforce Data Available Without a 24-Month Delay

Harrisburg, PA – Today, the Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association is launching a coalition and campaign to pass legislation that will allow for better access to workforce data from the Commonwealth. Currently, local workforce boards and other stakeholders in Pennsylvania are experiencing a severe data lag that makes it difficult to evaluate and change workforce policies and programs effectively. Specifically, Unemployment Compensation and new hire data can take up to 24 months to access from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry. Two-year-old data does not provide enough information to redesign programs or processes that improve customer outcomes. In the last several years, we have seen how quickly economic and workforce conditions have changed. We need access to more real-time data that reflect the realities in the field for our workforce development system. 

“Pennsylvania’s local workforce system serves a critical role to help employers find and keep skilled talent and connect students and job-seekers to quality jobs,” said Carrie Amann. “#FreeTheData means an efficient relevant workforce system that engages customers and tailors’ services for the best employment outcomes, in safe and secure ways. Improving the severe data lag and addressing this inefficient system not only benefits local workforce development boards, but also Pennsylvania workers, employers, and our economy. We need the legislature to pass legislation making workforce data available to workforce boards, policymakers, and advocates faster so they can implement policies that reflect the current economic reality.”

Pennsylvania’s local workforce system spends millions of dollars and countless hours tracking down similar data that the state already holds. #FreeTheData seeks to fix this costly and inefficient practice. Improved local data sharing, and utilization will equip local workforce boards to engage jobseekers more timely and tailor services that meet the needs of both employers and workers.

The proposed legislation to #FreeTheData has two primary components. 

First, the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry should share unemployment claims, unemployment wages, and new hire database information with Pennsylvania’s local workforce development boards and other stakeholders for performance accountability, evaluation, and research. 

Second, the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry should develop an accessible and usable dashboard platform that allows streamlined, user-friendly access to the data at any point in time.

The Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association is leading a coalition of workforce and community development organizations, including Allies for Children, Builders Guild of Western PA and Pittsburgh Works Together, Keystone Development Partnership, Keystone Research Center, Manufacturers’ Association of South Central PA, National Federation of Independent Business PA, PA Chamber of Business and Industry, Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children, and the United Way of 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, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro presented his 2023 budget with a significant focus on workforce development. Carrie Amann, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association, made the following statement.

“Today, Governor Josh Shapiro outlined his vision for building the nation’s strongest workforce in Pennsylvania. We appreciate the amount of focus on workforce development and the workforce system. Workforce development will be at the forefront of the Administration’s priorities.

The governor’s plan to invest more money in apprenticeships will expand how Pennsylvanians of all ages can enter the skilled labor market. Similarly, increasing funding for career and technical education will provide Pennsylvanians with an essential pathway to start and advance in high-paying, high-quality jobs and give our businesses access to a strong and talented workforce. 

Shapiro also called on establishing an unemployment compensation system that works for Pennsylvanians – an effort that requires partnership with Pennsylvania’s local workforce development boards. Our local workforce development boards are working with Pennsylvanians to achieve success; our input is valuable in the Governor’s efforts to ‘fix the mess.’

In addition to new investments and focus on workforce development, we also need to make data and information available to stakeholders to make the system more responsive to the needs of workers, employers, and job seekers. This session we are focusing on legislation that will #FreetheData and reduce the extreme lag in data released by the commonwealth. The inability of stakeholders to get timely data inhibits our ability to react to the current workforce needs. We should make employment and workforce data available to workforce agencies and stakeholders in real-time. We can actively improve our workforce development efforts and ensure we are implementing policies that positively impact and respond to real-world conditions. 

We look forward to partnering with the Shapiro Administration as they work to improve our workforce development system for workers, employers, and job seekers.”

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