Regional Workforce Assemblies

September 2020

Regional Workforce Assemblies (September 2020)

Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education Foundation, in collaboration with the State System, hosted a series of virtual Regional Workforce Assemblies in September 2020. The series provided holistic forums where executives representing key industries within the Commonwealth convened with academic and community leadership about increasing access to educational opportunities that further their careers and drive economic growth in Pennsylvania. Assembly findings help inform competency maps for high-demand occupations. These maps could be referenced by the State System and other stakeholders in the state of Pennsylvania to optimize education and training options or strengthen ties between academic programs and key industries. By documenting workforce needs, the maps could help support career success, business performance, and community economic prosperity.

Panel discussions and breakout sessions provided participants with the opportunity to validate the skills required for in-demand occupations in your region, share information about your partnerships and programs dedicated to building our workforce, and make connections for building solutions to meet our workforce demands now and in the future.   

 

Ensuring the workforce of tomorrow is equipped with the skills needed by industry

Assembly Objectives

  • Validate with employers the skills and competencies for the top in-demand occupations within the four regional areas in six target industry clusters to define industry-approved competencies 

  • Articulate employer expectations to inform talent development programs

  • Understand regional differences across and within industry clusters

  • Build partnerships with employers, workforce stakeholders and education providers across the state

  • Inform development of competency maps for skills needed in six clusters differentiated within each region

  • Identify the validated industry credentials that are aligned to the in-demand occupations

Attendees

Each region’s assembly involved interactive sessions in which employers and industry representatives validate the skills and competencies needed for our top occupations in the target industry clusters.

Employers

Employers’ input on the skills and competencies needed is essential to inform how we as a region can meet the growing demands for your greatest asset, your people.  Representatives from the targeted industry clusters.  Workforce/Talent Development Directors, Human Resources Officers, Chief Learning Officers, Training Directors, Technical Managers, and others who articulated the skills and competencies required for in-demand occupations participated in the Assemblies.

Higher Education

Higher Education is a key partner in developing strong partnerships to prepare Pennsylvania’s workforce.  Community College and University Directors of Workforce Development, Deans of Programs related to the top industry clusters joined in the Assemblies.

Workforce and Economic Development

Workforce Development, Chambers of Commerce and other organizations provide essential support with targeted programs and funding for workforce preparedness. Representatives from Workforce Investment Boards, Chambers of Commerce, Economic Development Organizations, and any non-profit organizations that service workforce development contributed to the Assemblies sessions.