News

Harrisburg, PA: Today, the Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association released its second “Pennsylvania’s Workforce Trends, which found that Pennsylvania has more job openings than workers to fill them. The report explored the working population as well as the trends in employment. It also sought to dispel some myths around employment and workforce, namely that a “Great Resignation” drives job openings. Instead, the aging of Pennsylvania’s population is creating a mismatch between job openings and workers.  

“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.

“Today’s tight labor market gives Pennsylvania workers more choices and chances to get a higher paid and higher quality job,” said Carrie Amann, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association. “A tight labor market also creates opportunities for Pennsylvania’s workforce system. With employers hungry for workers, the workforce system is engaging with industry to review their workforce development and hiring models while supporting jobseekers and workers to develop their skills and strengthen the pathways to good jobs.” 

Pennsylvania is observing record-low unemployment rates. 

The unemployment rate in Pennsylvania in December 2023 was 3.5%, its second lowest since at least 1976 (the first year when the current monthly state unemployment rate data set started), and its lowest rate being November 2023).

Pennsylvania’s unemployment rate is below the national average. 

In the last four months, the state’s unemployment rate has dipped below the national unemployment rate thanks to swift job growth compared to the state over the past three years as discussed in the first “workforce trends” report.

Unemployment is low in most Local Workforce Development Areas.

The unemployment rate is also low in most of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties and 22 Local Workforce Development Areas (LWDAs). Every LWDA has had a lower unemployment rate in the past 12 months (ending November 2023) than in the 12 months ending right before the pandemic (in February 2020).

Pennsylvania’s rate of job openings remains higher than pre-pandemic levels.

There are now more job openings than unemployed workers in Pennsylvania – one for every 0.6 unemployed workers. Pennsylvania is aging. Workers 55 or older have been the only part of the state population to grow in the last decade and increase their workforce share. Prime-aged workers (aged 25 to 54) have decreased by nearly five percentage points as a share of the workforce during the last decade.

Misconceptions about Pennsylvania’s “tight” labor market.

The data indicate that individual workers have a lot of opportunities in the current market and some ability to pick and choose among jobs and employers. The data suggests that this is driven less by a permanent withdrawal of workers from the job market and more by aging our workforce, which gradually increases the rate of retirement and the number of new workers that must be hired each year to replace retiring workers. In the last 11 years, the only age group in Pennsylvania that has grown is the oldest one close to retirement – those aged 55 and over increased by nearly a fifth. The number of Pennsylvanians of prime working age (25 years to 54) declined by 3% from 2010 to 2021. And the 16 to 24 years old group plummeted by 12.1%.

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

Proposal Acknowledges the Need for Diverse Career Pathways 

Harrisburg, PA – Today, Gov. Josh Shapiro released a proposal for higher education reform in Pennsylvania focusing on workforce development. Carrie Amann, the Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association, released the following statement. 

“Pennsylvanians need diverse and robust career pathways – from higher education to technical certifications,” said Carrie Amann. “We are encouraged that the Shapiro Administration acknowledges the need to incentivize both degrees and credentials that will help to alleviate workforce shortages in Pennsylvania. Our workforce development system needs to work seamlessly with our institutions of higher education so that we are all responsive to the needs of job seekers, workers, and employers. The Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association and its members look forward to working with the Shapiro Administration and the workforce and education stakeholders to establish a strong training and certification pipeline 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

With last week’s close of the legislative year, we wanted to reflect on our progress on one of the Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association’s key legislative priorities, #FreetheData. 

The Campaign Launch: Empowering Pennsylvania’s Workforce

Last spring, we launched a coalition and campaign to pass legislation allowing better access to workforce data from the Commonwealth. 

The campaign was simple. We wanted more timely access to workforce data so our partners and stakeholders could react more effectively to the conditions in our local economies. 

Data Lag Dilemma: Navigating the 24-Month Challenge

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 celebrated a lot of progress and success this year. 

Legislative Milestones: A Year of Success and Collaboration

Legislators introduced bills in the House and Senate, building bipartisan momentum to #FreetheData and end the 24-month data lag for workforce development organizations and employers. We enjoyed partnerships with legislators on both sides of the aisle and made real progress toward achieving passage. 

Championing Progress: Sen. Camera Bartolotta and Reps. Jennifer O’Mara and Kate Klunk

Sen. Camera Bartolotta circulated a cosponsor memo in April and introduced a Senate bill in June. Reps. Jennifer O’Mara (D-Delaware) and Kate Klunk (R-York) circulated a similar cosponsor memo in the House.

Then, in October, Reps. O’Mara and Klunk introduced #FreetheData legislation in the House. 

Coalition Building: A Force for Change

Throughout the year, we built a strong coalition of partners, including workforce organizations, economic development groups, labor organizations, social service agencies, and other important leaders who understand the importance of getting timely data to build successful workforce interventions. 

Next Steps: The Journey Ahead

We still have a lot of work to do to #FreetheData and help our workforce partners, and we are committed to pressing forward next year. We are thankful for our coalition partners who got us this far!

Pennsylvania’s Job Market Has Now Fully Rebounded From the Pandemic 

Harrisburg, PA: Today, the Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association released its first “Pennsylvania’s Workforce Trends” report highlighting Pennsylvania’s workforce and job market. The report found that Pennsylvania’s job market has fully recovered from the pandemic, with uneven recovery in local workforce areas. While Pennsylvania’s job growth rate has been strong, it is yet to be determined if this is sustainable growth or a pandemic bounce. “Pennsylvania’s Workforce Trends” will be 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 job market has fully recovered from the pandemic, but it’s important for policymakers to work closely with local workforce development boards to ensure continued growth and an even recovery,” said Carrie Amann, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association. “Our workforce development system can help connect businesses to employees and provide training for workers. We must understand the gaps in our labor market to make Pennsylvania the most dynamic economy with the strongest workforce in the country.” 

Pennsylvania Now Has More Jobs Than Before the Pandemic 

The number of non-farm jobs in Pennsylvania now exceeds their pre-COVID levels. As of October 2023, the latest data available, Pennsylvania had 72,000 more jobs than in February 2020.

Pennsylvania Has Enjoyed Strong Recent Job Growth Relative to the United States

Over many decades and in the post-pandemic period, Pennsylvania’s slower job growth partly reflects slower population growth than nationally (particularly, lower working-age population growth). Population growth from February 2020 to October 2023 equaled an estimated 0.75 percent in Pennsylvania and 3 percent in the United States.

Recently, there has been a slight narrowing of the gap in job growth between Pennsylvania and the United States. Pennsylvania’s faster-than-U.S. job growth was likely a “pandemic recovery” effect early in this period. Since Pennsylvania lost 18.6 percent of its jobs from February to April 2020 and the U.S. lost 14.4 percent, Pennsylvania needed faster job growth after April 2020 to fully recover. 

Since April 2020, Pennsylvania’s job growth has been at least 75 percent of U.S. job growth, well above the population-driven norm, below 50 percent. Whether this healthy job growth in Pennsylvania persists remains to be seen. But, for now, it is a positive trend.

Most Counties and Workforce Areas Also Have Jobs Close to or Above Pre-Pandemic Levels

As of September 2023, 13 of Pennsylvania’s 22 Local Workforce Development Areas had rebounded to their February 2020 pre-COVID employment levels. An additional four are within roughly 2 percent of pre-pandemic employment. The remaining five Local Workforce Development Areas are within 4 percent of their pre-pandemic levels.

Industrial Breakdown of Pennsylvania’s Jobs Recovery

The recovery of employment in Pennsylvania’s industries has been rapid but uneven. Industries with significant shares of high- and middle-wage positions have recovered beyond their pre-pandemic employment levels—like trade, transportation and utilities, and professional and business services. Financial services, education, and health services have seen employment levels recover to about 2 percent over February 2020. Construction and manufacturing remain just below pre-pandemic employment levels. Government, leisure and hospitality are experiencing the most lag in their job recovery.

The sectors lagging the most in employment may have in common challenges attracting and retaining workers – because of low wages (in leisure and hospitality, residential construction), physically demanding work (construction and manufacturing), or slow adjustment of wages to short-term market conditions (government). In the case of leisure and hospitality (now 2.8 percent under February 2020 employment), some job drop could be long-term because of reductions in business travel and business lunches now that many more people telework.

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

Last week, we held the 2023 ApprenticeshipPA Collaborative and Expo with the PA Association of Career and Technical Administrators. 

We are thankful to all attendees who traveled to learn more about how we can build strong apprenticeship programs that create career pathways for Pennsylvania workers. 

The event brought together stakeholders from across Pennsylvania interested in strengthening apprenticeships as part of its workforce development strategy. 

Governor Josh Shapiro joined us and spoke about the work his administration is doing to support apprenticeship programs and expand Pennsylvania’s workforce.

“I’m excited to be here in Hershey to kick off National Apprenticeship Week and recognize the Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association’s work and the work of its local partners who help create real opportunity all across our Commonwealth,” said Governor Josh Shapiro. “I believe that Pennsylvania should be a place where every person and every worker has the freedom to chart their own course and the opportunity to succeed. An apprenticeship is a fast track to a good-paying, stable job – and an effective way to build a crucial talent pipeline that connects high schools to our workforce. I pledge to continue to be a strong partner in our collective efforts to build the best, most highly-trained workforce in the country – and create real opportunity for people across our Commonwealth.”

Our attendees were happy to hear more about Governor Shapiro’s plans to make Pennsylvania’s workforce the strongest in the nation and how apprenticeships play a role in this effort.

There are incredible models for apprentice programs throughout our Commonwealth, and we’re excited to bring together leaders in apprenticeship initiatives to hear from Governor Shapiro. Governor Shapiro and his Administration have created a robust workforce development agenda to help job seekers, workers, and employers. 

After we heard from Governor Shapiro, our attendees got down to business.

We had a packed schedule of panels, discussions, and keynotes. 

Throughout the conference, our goal was to highlight apprenticeship programs that are working locally, replicating successful programs, and expanding the good work leaders are doing in Pennsylvania. 

Speakers and attendees discussed the state of apprenticeships in Pennsylvania. They shared technical and practical knowledge on what it takes to launch an “earn and learn” model of talent. 

Panels also shared ideas on sustaining and retaining the apprenticeship program and recruiting and engaging a talent pipeline. 

In addition to the Governor, other leaders from the Shapiro Administration, private sector, labor, and apprenticeship experts will share their strategies for expanding apprenticeships and provide updates on the state of apprenticeships in Pennsylvania.

We received great feedback from attendees and panelists alike.

“The ApprenticeshipPA Expo was a great way to gather the most updated information regarding Registered Apprenticeship and Pre-Apprenticeship and network with partners in the Apprenticeship Ecosystem.”

“From the policymaker perspective, this event was a great opportunity to hear from all angles how current policies are working!”

“A fantastic event and great way to continue learning and contributing to the everchanging landscape of apprenticeship programs.”

On Monday, the morning keynote on “The Power of Partnerships: Pennsylvania Models & Opportunities” provided attendees with an opportunity to hear from apprenticeship practitioners on what it takes to cross-systems and forge partnerships, critical insights on what’s working and pitfalls to avoid, and opportunities for “earn and learn” talent recruitment and retention across regions. 

In the lunch keynote on Monday, Pennsylvania leaders discussed the role apprenticeships serve to address today’s workforce and economic needs. Gain insight into the current policy and program environment for “earn and learn” development models. 

On Tuesday, the final keynote panel discussed insights and perspectives on the state of apprenticeships gleaned during their experiences and heard throughout ApprenticeshipPA.

We were excited to hold this year’s 2023 ApprenticeshipPA Collaborative and Expo in partnership with the PA Association of Career and Technical Administrators. We’re thankful to all attendees, speakers, and panelists who shared their deep knowledge about apprenticeships.

As the Commonwealth invests in workforce development, we must strengthen the pathway into apprenticeship programs and help organizations – from academic institutions to industry – form and sustain viable training pathways for workers. This week’s conference was an excellent opportunity for all of us to get closer to these goals. 

PWDA Thanks Legislators for Commitment to Improve PA’s Workforce Development System

Harrisburg, PA — This week, legislation to #FreetheData was introduced in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives by Reps. Jennifer O’Mara and Kate Klunk. The bill will #FreetheData, providing workforce boards and stakeholders with enhanced access to critical workforce information. The introduction of the legislation is the latest step to ensure workforce boards and other stakeholders have timely data from the Commonwealth so they can better serve jobseekers, workers, and businesses. The Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association is leading a coalition of business organizations, labor unions, and social service agencies in a campaign to pass legislation allowing better access to workforce data from the Commonwealth. 

“#FreetheData will empower workforce boards and stakeholders with real-time, invaluable data, fostering more informed decision-making and a deeper understanding of the ever-evolving workforce landscape,” said Carrie Amann, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association. “This legislation is a testament to the commitment of Representative Jennifer O’Mara, Representative Kate Klunk, and all of our partners in the legislature to bolstering the commonwealth’s workforce development infrastructure and helping jobseekers, workers, and businesses.”

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. 

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 

# # # 

This week, PWDA leadership traveled to Washington, DC, to talk with our Congressional delegation and administration members about workforce development needs in Pennsylvania. 

We visited at a critical time for Pennsylvania. Our commonwealth faces a unique challenge: historically low unemployment rates that have left employers struggling to find skilled workers to fill their job openings. Recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics underscores this issue, revealing nearly two job openings for every unemployed worker in America. 

Additionally, with the federal investments in infrastructure, energy, and manufacturing projects underway, we anticipate a significant surge in the demand for skilled workers in our state. These investments are projected to support millions of jobs annually, substantially benefiting Pennsylvania.

Luckily, workforce development is a bipartisan issue that has served as a bridge between parties. We were able to serve as the voice of the Pennsylvania workforce development system as we talked with our elected representatives and leaders in the Biden administration. 

U.S. Congress: We met with House and Senate Committee members to discuss WIOA reauthorization. Our representatives must understand how the legislation is being implemented on the ground and how we believe it could be improved as they consider reauthorization. Several other issues emerged in our discussions, including the requirement for a physical one-stop shop for job seekers. We saw that preferences and technology changed during the pandemic, and some mandates could be loosened to provide more responsive and flexible services to job seekers. 

We also mentioned the importance and need for secure access to UC Claimant information and new hire data to support job seekers. We stressed that timely data access will allow for better evaluation of workforce programs and policies and that the current aggregate data-sharing practices are ineffective. These concerns were also recently raised in our public comment submission to the Department of Labor.

We also discussed emerging ideas like short-term Pell Grants for certification and other programs under the 16-week minimum requirement for an educational program to qualify for a Pell Grant. With many new training and certification programs and a countrywide shift toward new types of credentialing, Congress must program flexibility for students, workers, and workforce partners so they can get the training they need. Lastly, we discussed with congressional staff the need for more flexibility and pathways to qualify Eligible Providers of Training Services. Again, the education and training models are changing, and we need to change. 

White House We also met with the White House National Economic Council, where we talked about infrastructure investments and workforce progress with a focus on manufacturing, educators, truckers, and trades. The Economic Council was particularly interested in apprenticeship models and what we saw working in our communities. We were able to have a productive discussion about the regional workforce hub in Pittsburgh, which is one of only five hubs in the country. We all want to ensure that Pittsburgh and the entire commonwealth can take advantage of this opportunity and maximize the value of the regional hub for workers, job seekers, and businesses. 

Communications Lastly, we summarized our requests in a letter to the Pennsylvania delegation. Unfortunately, over the past two decades, Congress has steadily reduced funding for critical workforce programs, leading to an ecosystem that struggles to meet the needs of Pennsylvania employers and workers today. Instead of continuing this trend, we urged them to allocate the necessary resources for Pennsylvania workers and the programs that are instrumental in their success as part of the federal fiscal year 2024 appropriations process and consider the following policies:

• Pass legislation that funds workforce programs for the 2024 fiscal year at levels no less than those proposed in the Senate appropriations bill for the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and related agencies.
• Provide dedicated resources to industry sector partnerships. Partnerships are a proven strategy to help employers within a region or industry identify workforce needs, provide training and supportive services that connect workers with in-demand jobs, and help to address barriers that cause inequities in the workplace.
• Include language that expands Pell grants to individuals entering short-term skills training and education programs. Pell grants are an essential tool to make education more affordable and accessible for those with the greatest need. Expanding Pell Grants to shorter programs will support workers’ ability to increase their skills and access good jobs quickly.
• Support grant programs that invest in building workers’ digital skills. There is an overwhelming demand for digital skills in the labor market as 92% of jobs require digital skills. Yet, only two-thirds of workers have the foundational digital skills necessary to enter and succeed in today’s jobs. Workers of color are disproportionately likely to face digital skills gaps due to longstanding inequities. Investments in programs that build digital skills will help prepare workers for existing and future jobs.
• Provide funding that allows higher education institutions to support career pathways, skills training and education, and supportive services to help meet workers where they are and support them as they move up or change industries throughout their careers.

We always appreciate the opportunity to visit with our Congressional delegation and other leaders in Washington. It’s an honor to carry the voice of our members and workforce partners, and we always want to make sure you are heard. 

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.