Workforce Connections

Your bi-monthly update on events, activities, and initiatives from the Lancaster County Workforce Development Board.

January/ February 2025

>>> WIOA Reauthorization Bill Dropped

On November 21, 2024, a bipartisan effort to reauthorize the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) culminated in the proposal of the "A Stronger Workforce for America Act" (ASWA). Despite initial momentum, the bill was excluded from the Continuing Resolution passed on December 20, 2024, leaving WIOA's reauthorization undetermined.

NAWB Article

Rapid Response Team Assists <<<

Workers Affected by Recent Layoffs

Following layoffs at DAS, Inc., DHL, and Kunzler, the Rapid Response (RR) Team - comprising of members from PA CareerLink® Lancaster County, the Department of L&I, and the Workforce Development Board - has stepped into action to support impacted employees. The team has organized information sessions, job fairs, and workshops to provide vital information on unemployment claims, health insurance, and available job opportunities, ensuring timely assistance for affected workers.

CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF IMPACT

THROUGH EXTRA GIVE 2024

Extraordinary Give, Lancaster County’s premier annual giving event, marked a special occasion for the Lancaster County Workforce Development Board (LCWDB) as we celebrated our 25th anniversary. This milestone inspired us to join ExtraGive 2024, not only to commemorate years of service but to highlight our ongoing commitment to the residents of Lancaster County.

For decades, the LCWDB has supported local employers and job seekers by offering strategic guidance and financial resources to foster career opportunities, enhance workforce development programs, and prepare the next generation of workers. While federal funding and state grants have been instrumental in our efforts, we are beginning to utilize our fundraising ability as a nonprofit organization to secure unrestricted funding. This approach will enable us to provide even greater support to the community, ensuring financial mobility and sustainable career growth for more residents.

Participating in ExtraGive 2024 was a strategic step to introduce our fundraising goals to the public while raising awareness about other impactful initiatives that have shaped lives across Lancaster County. Encouraged by this year’s results, we’re motivated to refine our outreach strategy and aim for even greater awareness and impact in the coming years. With careful planning, we look forward to expanding our reach and continuing to make a lasting difference in the lives of Lancaster County residents.

NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP WEEK

National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) is a nationwide celebration highlighting the value of Registered Apprenticeships in building a skilled workforce, creating career pathways, and promoting equity. Employers, workforce partners, and organizations use this opportunity to showcase their programs, apprentices, and contributions to the economy.

This year, the LCWDB celebrated NAW by having our current Registered Apprenticeship Navigator, Kimberley Patrick, represent Career Ready Lancaster! at a special ceremony hosted at The White House. The U.S. Department of Labor honored the newest cohort of Apprenticeship Ambassadors and recognized current ambassadors for their outstanding efforts to expand and diversify Registered Apprenticeship programs.

Building on this momentum, we enrolled our Contract Administrator, Brie Becker, in the Registered Apprenticeship Navigator Training Program. Once certified, Ms. Becker will join Ms. Patrick in assisting employers and educators to create impactful apprenticeship programs.

In addition, Ms. Patrick participated in an event with Benchmark Construction Company to recognize their apprentices, including Sean Cramer, a 4th-year apprentice and Thaddeus Stevens College graduate. Sean, part of Benchmark’s apprenticeship program, is contributing to the Stevens & Smith Historic Site project and was honored by Bill Lastinger, General Superintendent of Benchmark Construction Company.

For more information or guidance on starting a Registered Apprenticeship program, contact Kimberley Patrick at kpatrick@lancastercountywib.com.

YOUTH COMMITTEE UPDATES

Youth and families often face challenges navigating the many resources available to them. The LCWDB Youth Committee is working to simplify this process by creating a comprehensive Youth Services Directory for the Lancaster County community. This directory will make youth-focused resources more accessible and easier to find.

A survey is open to gather input on all the resources our community has to offer. Stay tuned for more details as the directory takes shape.

Additionally, kiosks now feature a dedicated Youth Programs section, with a recent county-wide review confirming their successful implementation. These updates further enhance accessibility and engagement for Lancaster County’s youth.

JOBSEEKER RESOURCES & SUPPORT SERVICES

LCWDB OUT & ABOUT

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:

Attended the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals (NAWDP) 25th Annual Youth Symposium.
Participated in the PA Workforce Development Association’s ApprenticeshipPA 2024.
Attended Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology’s Workforce & Economic Development Center Graduation Ceremony for the Class of 2024.
Attended the Manufacturers’ Association’s Manufacturers’ Expo 2024.
Ms. Anna Ramos participated in the Lancaster Chamber Mentor Program’s Discovering Paths as a Mentor.
Attended the High Center’s The Future of Work: Creating High-Performance Teams.
Represented the LCWDB at Conestoga Valley School District’s Industry Presentation.
Supported local businesses and participated in a productive team-building day at The PotteryWorks.
And so much more!

Follows us on Facebook here!

CUSTOMIZED LABOR MARKET INFORMATION

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.

Send Your Request Here

View Local Labor Market Data

INDUSTRY DATA

Job Posting Analytics

Over the past three months, top employers have included Penn State Health, Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health, Aerotek, and GlaxoSmithKline, highlighting the ongoing demand for skilled workers in the healthcare and manufacturing sectors.
In addition to familiar names like AutoZone (auto parts retailer) and Actalent (engineering talent), there has been a notable increase in job postings from CVS and Fulton Bank.
Registered Nurse and Retail Salesperson remain the most in-demand positions, with Maintenance and Repair Workers and Stockers and Order Fillers ranking 5th and 6th, likely due to the year-end holiday sales season.
Lancaster leads in job postings, followed by Lititz and Ephrata.
Currently, there are over 12,000 open positions spanning 611 occupations across 1,300 locations.

Request Job Posting Analytics Here

Lancaster County Workforce Development Board | www.lancastercountywib.com

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.