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Workforce Connections
Your bi-monthly digest of resources, events, and all things Workforce Development in Lancaster County
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November/December 2024 Edition | | |
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In the News...
Shapiro Administration Invests $3.9 Million in Pre-Apprenticeship Opportunities for Pennsylvania High School Students
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This investment builds on the $61 million increase the Shapiro Administration has made in workforce development over its first two budget cycles, offering students the opportunity to gain the required skills before taking on a full apprenticeship program.
The Department of Labor & Industry partnered with the Pennsylvania Department of Education to make this investment possible, supporting goal of building a more robust school-to-workforce pipeline through the creation of new and existing pre-apprenticeship programs within traditional career and technical education (CTE) structures.
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A Message from EEOC Chair Charlotte A. Burrows for 2024 National Disability
Employment Awareness Month
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This October, we commemorate National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), uniting around the 2024 theme Access to Good Jobs for All. Recent milestone anniversaries for landmark civil rights laws have been a golden opportunity to recognize the disability rights movement and other advocates, who toppled enormous barriers to institute workplace inclusion at a fundamental level.
This year’s NDEAM theme calls on us to build upon this incredible foundation to ensure access to good jobs and a meaningful chance for all to contribute.
Read the full message here.
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Celebrating 25 Years of LCWDB
Join Us for ExtraGive 2024!
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Did you know? 2024 marks the 25th anniversary of the Lancaster County Workforce Development Board! For 25 years, we’ve proudly supported Lancaster County residents and businesses through strategic workforce solutions, personalized services, and impactful fiscal partnerships.
To celebrate this milestone, the LCWDB is participating in the year’s biggest giving event, Extraordinary Give 2024. Our journey and achievements wouldn’t be possible without the support of our community. Your donations will empower us to expand workforce development, career services, and employment programs without restrictions, allowing us to create even greater impact.
The success of ExtraGive goes beyond the dollars raised—it’s about the transformative change these funds enable for nonprofits across our community. Join us in giving on November 22 at ExtraGive - LCWDB and help shape the future of Lancaster’s workforce!
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WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT MONTH HIGHLIGHTS
LCWDB OPEN HOUSE AND
PA CAREERLINK® DAY
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On September 12th, the LCWDB hosted an open house, welcoming guests from various industries to the Workforce Board. This event connected staff with current and potential partners while showcasing the Board’s initiatives and funding opportunities for businesses.
The open house coincided with PA CareerLink® Lancaster County’s “CareerLink® Day,” with both events celebrating Workforce Development Month. CareerLink® Day focused on assisting job seekers, drawing in 117 attendees and 18 partner organizations who provided support with job applications and unemployment claims.
The success of the event was clear from the positive feedback, including praise from the Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association and the Bureau of Workforce Partnership and Operations. Melissa Stevenson from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry noted the impactful assistance provided to claimants, underscoring the importance of these events in supporting the community.
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HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH – CELEBRATING IRAIDA CABASQUIN’S JOURNEY AND DEDICATION
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In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, we’re proud to highlight colleagues like Iraida Cabasquin, who has dedicated 11 years to serving Lancaster County residents through PA CareerLink® Lancaster County.
Iraida began her journey with PA CareerLink® as a participant and later joined the team as a front desk greeter and admin support.
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After eight years in that role and two as a Talent Engagement Specialist, she recently transitioned to Career Coach, where she now helps Employment, Advancement, and Retention Network (EARN) Program participants with career development and job search assistance.
Her experience as a job seeker allows her to relate to others facing similar challenges.
"I understand the frustration and urgency when trying to find a job quickly," Iraida shares. Her ability to speak Spanish also helps her support immigrants and refugees facing language barriers.
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For Iraida, teamwork and service to the community are essential. "We are one team with one goal: to provide the best employment services we can." Though no longer in a front desk role, she remains an active presence, always ready to help anyone in need.
Iraida's dedication and passion for her work make her a vital part of the team, and her contributions reflect the rich cultural impact of the Hispanic community on Lancaster County's workforce.
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Quarterly Connections Meeting | |
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On Friday, October 25th, the Career Ready Lancaster! initiative hosted its Quarterly Connections Meeting, featuring a visit from the Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry. The event brought together businesses and community organizations eager to work together on local workforce development efforts.
During the meeting, participants discussed the challenges facing disconnected youth in Lancaster County and shared ideas on how to provide better support. Attendees also learned about a paid work experience program for youth ages 16 to 24, which offers essential skills for entering the job market.
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A key highlight was the introduction of the new High5 Scenario Cards, developed through collaboration with local professionals. These cards present realistic workplace situations, helping individuals practice important skills like teamwork, communication, problem-solving, resilience, and integrity.
*Want to bring High5 Scenario Cards to your team or students?*
Contact our CRL! Coordinator, Kim Patrick, at kpatrick@lancastercountywib.com for more information.
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The meeting wrapped up with discussions on future opportunities for local workforce development. Collaboration between workforce boards, businesses, and educational institutions is crucial for supporting job seekers from diverse backgrounds.
Thank you to everyone who participated in making this meeting a success. Together, we can continue to create meaningful opportunities for our community!
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Being a part of our workforce community AND the local community helps us lead the conversation in workforce for Lancaster County!
Over the past few months our staff:
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Attended the Manufacturing Institute’s Workforce Summit 2024 as speakers with Armstrong World Industries.
- Attended Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association (PWDA) “Workforce Leaders Symposium 2024” as panel speaker for topic “Workforce Development is Economic Development”.
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Attended the NAACP Lancaster’s annual Freedom Fund Gala and 101st anniversary.
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Attended the YWCA Lancaster “Women of Achievement Awards” honoring Board member Salena Coachman.
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Attended our partner, The Mix’s 40th Anniversary Gala.
- Represented the LCWDB as Mounty Joy Area Chamber of Commerce’s monthly luncheon.
- Attended the PWDA Peer-To-Peer’s Fiscal, Quality Assurance and Youth Forum.
- Represented the LCWDB and PA CareerLink® Lancaster at Solanco Fair & West Lampeter Community Fair.
- Attended Thaddeus Steven College of Technology and UnidosUS meeting.
- Attended the Lancaster Chamber’s Get Connected networking event.
- Attended the Lancaster STEM Alliance Educator Externship luncheon at Susquehanna Printing.
And so much more!
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The Lancaster County Workforce Development Board is your premier source for Labor Market Information (LMI).
Accurate, objective, relevant, timely, and accessible workforce and labor market information is critical for:
• Building a skilled workforce that spurs business competitiveness and economic growth
• Strengthening career pathways and guiding skill attainment for good jobs, economic opportunity, and career growth
• Understanding the rapidly changing nature of work and how it impacts the workforce and U.S. and local economies
• Spending workforce training and education funds effectively.
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Over the past three months, top employers continue to be in the healthcare and manufacturing sectors, including Penn State Health, Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health, Aerotek, and GlaxoSmithKline.
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Other companies in the top 10 for hiring feature a diverse range of names, such as AutoZone (auto parts retailer), Actalent (engineering talent), and Turkey Hill.
- Registered Nurse and Retail Salesperson are the top hiring positions, which aligns with healthcare being the leading employment sector and retail ranking third.
- Lancaster led in job postings, with Lititz and Ephrata following closely.
- Currently, there are over 13,000 open positions across nearly 1,400 locations.
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Lancaster County Workforce Development Board | www.lancastercountywib.com
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Auxiliary aids and services upon request to individuals with disabilities.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Program.
Language services available free of cost. TTY: (717) 391-3570
Program funded with federal dollars. For detailed information, click here.
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