South Central Workforce Development Board
Quarterly Newsletter
December 1, 2024 - Volume 2 - Issue 4
Inside This Issue
Check out our Industry Partnership Spotlight
Learn more on South Central PA Economy Overview and Job Posting Analytics PG.
Upcoming Committee & Board Dates
Executive Committee
Meeting
December 12, 2024, at 8:30 am
Board of Directors
Meeting
December 17, 2024, at 8:30 am
Administration and Finance Committee Meeting
January 23, 2025, at 8:30 am
Executive Committee
Meeting
January 30, 2025, at 8:30 am
Board of Directors
Meeting
February 6, 2025, at 8:30 am
All Committee Meetings are held at 4201 Crums Mill Road, Suite 100A, Harrisburg, PA 17112. The February 6, 2025, Board of Directors Meeting will be held at the Capital Region PA CareerLink® – 100 North Cameron Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101
New Board Member
Richard Scott, Executive Director – Volunteers in Medicine
SCPa Works Employee Anniversaries
January
Courtney Day, Compliance Manager – 3YRS
SCPa Works 2024 Annual Report
SCPa Works & Wilya: The Role of Skills in Driving Flexible Work Options
Entrepreneurial Approaches for Workforce Boards: Strategies from South Central PA Works
“In this episode, CEO of South Central PA Works, Jesse McCree, joins us for an illuminating discussion on workforce development innovation. Leading an influential board that spans eight counties in central PA, Jesse offers insights from his nearly eight-year tenure.
The conversation delves into South Central PA Works’ pioneering strategies, including fair chance hiring initiatives and community access points. Jesse also recounts his path into the workforce development field and outlines how his organization is harnessing data, fostering agility, and embracing technology to address future labor market challenges.”
Making Plans for Our Youth in 2025
While our Vendors were able to successfully engage 237 youth participants in the Summer Earn & Learn Paid Work experiences, our job is not done! We’re already planning next year’s program to involve even more participants and offer an even more enriching experience. We’re expanding outreach to local businesses and strengthening our existing partnerships to provide more opportunities for young people to gain hands-on experience.
This six-week experience gives youth, ages 14-24, an opportunity to gain exposure in career fields of their interest. The program allows the participant to be engaged in essential job readiness training in areas such as professionalism, customer service, data management, and soft skills. These career readiness workshops help to prepare the young participants to understand how to properly engage with others in the professional world. After the two-week job readiness workshops, participants are placed in a worksite that matches their future career interests. This experience affords them with the opportunity to learn about the various career pathways that are available to them, and what it takes to excel in that industry. Working an average of 20-40 hours a week, at $15.00 per hour, the participants will be engaged in beneficial and meaningful employment that will certainly help to shape their future career choices. As well as helping them to expand their professional network, make new friends and learn skills that will last them for a lifetime. Businesses that participate in this program have the opportunity to mentor and guide young professionals while gaining assistance with various tasks. It’s a great way to invest in the future workforce and support the next generation of workers in developing essential skills.
If you’re a young person interested in participating, or if you’re a business looking to become involved, we’d love to hear from you! Simply complete the interest form below, and you’ll receive updates about the program and how you can get involved.
PA CareerLink® South Central Region Partnership with PPATEC
Industry Partnership Spotlight
Welcome to the last edition of our 2024 newsletter highlighting South Central PA Industry Sector Partnerships. This month, we highlight the great work of our industry partnerships. If you want to participate in South Central’s Industry Partnerships, please contact cpicht@scpaworks.org.
Manufacturing Industry Partnership
Building the Future of Manufacturing: Preparing the Workforce of Tomorrow
This year, we are thrilled to share the exciting news that over 220 high school students from multiple counties and schools participated in a comprehensive pre-apprenticeship program designed to equip them with the skills and knowledge needed for a highly sought-after, well-paid career in manufacturing. These students gained hands-on experience and valuable insights into the manufacturing industry, positioning them for success in one of our South Central PA economy’s most dynamic and essential sectors.
The Manufacturers’ Association (MA) is an organization in our region with a deep, historical commitment to workforce development. This year’s event was a shining example of local collaboration, bringing together students who will benefit from the guidance and support of industry professionals, educators, and workforce development experts. Through these efforts, they are helping students understand the vast opportunities within the manufacturing sector and preparing them to meet the growing demand for skilled workers.
Thank you, MA, for your continued support in building a robust and skilled manufacturing workforce!
Construction Partnership
Empowering Women in Construction: A Panel Discussion on Creating Inclusive Work Environments
As the construction industry continues to evolve, the South Central PA Construction Industry Partnership was excited to highlight the growing role of women in the field and the importance of fostering a more inclusive and supportive work environment. At our last quarterly meeting in October, a Women in Construction panel brought together industry leaders to discuss key topics that can help make construction sites more welcoming and accessible for women. The panel covered several critical issues essential to creating a truly inclusive work environment, including language, physical site support, and childcare.
The construction industry is more robust when it is diverse and inclusive. Creating a supportive and welcoming environment for women on job sites is not only the right thing to do but also leads to better outcomes for the industry. By addressing women’s unique needs—whether through thoughtful language, physical support, tailored PPE, mentorship, or childcare flexibility—we can help build a more inclusive and successful future for all workers.
Let’s continue working together to build a more vital, diverse workforce.
IT Industry Partnership
Empowering the Next Generation of Tech Leaders: Milton Hershey School Promotes Technology Careers
We are excited to share the success of a recent partnership between the South Central IT Industry Partnership and Milton Hershey School, where over 320 students were introduced to the dynamic world of technology careers through an engaging Design Thinking class. This initiative aims to inspire and equip the next generation with the skills and mindset needed to thrive in the ever-evolving tech industry.
The Design Thinking class provided by Harrisburg University, provided students with a hands-on, creative approach to problem-solving that is at the heart of modern technology careers. Students explored how technology can address real-world challenges by focusing on empathy, ideation, and prototyping. This innovative framework fosters critical thinking and collaboration and nurtures the skills needed to succeed in a tech-driven workforce.
This collaboration highlights the importance of partnerships between educational institutions and the tech industry. By working together, we can inspire students to consider careers in fields like software development, data analysis, cybersecurity, and IT infrastructure. The goal is to ignite curiosity and passion for technology, encouraging students to explore the wide range of opportunities available in the IT sector.
Thank you to Harrisburg University and Milton Hershey School for partnering with us in this important initiative and to all who are helping to inspire the next generation of tech leaders!
Let’s continue to build a brighter future through education and collaboration.
Economy Overview
- As of September 2024, the Regional Labor Force is a
- As of September 2024, the Region’s Labor Force Participation Rate is 63.34%
- As of October 2024, the Region’s unemployment rate has slightly risen to 3.0%. The rate in the State of Pennsylvania remains 3.4%
Job Posting Analytics
- 33,860 jobs with an average wage of $64,100 were posted among 3,210 employers
- The average length of a job posting in the SCPa Region is 22 days
- 27% of job postings over the past 90 days require no more than a High School Diploma or GED
- 24% of job postings over the past 90 days require a Bachelor’s degree
- 34% of job postings over the past 90 days require no more than three years experience
- The Pennsylvania State University, UPMC, The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and Amazon have posted the most job openings in the SCPa Works region
- See how the SCPa Region compares to the United States average in the Lightcast Populations Characteristics below
Contact Us
- 4201 Crums Mill Road, Suite 100A, Harrisburg, Pa 17112
- 717-236-7936
- info@scpaworks.org
Auxiliary aides and services are available to individuals with disabilities. Equal Opportunity Employer/Program