RFP ANNOUNCEMENT 

The Lancaster County Workforce Development Board is pleased to announce that the Request for Proposals (RFP) for the One-Stop Operator (OSO) and Business Services Team (BST) is officially live. 

Interested organizations are invited to review the RFP and submit proposals in accordance with the outlined requirements and deadlines. This RFP presents an opportunity to support workforce development efforts and strengthen services for job seekers and employers throughout Lancaster County. 

Key Details: 

• RFP Open Period: January 20 – February 24, 2026 
• Click to view the full RFP and application process on our website 

Bidder's Conferences: 

• One-Stop Operator RFP: January 23, 2026 at 1:00 PM 
• Business Services Team RFP: January 23, 2026 at 2:30 PM 
• Email Brie Becker at bbecker@lancastercountywib.com for a virtual invitation 

KEEPING UP WITH LANCASTER WORKFORCE BOARD

A Win for Lancaster: Workforce Board Secured Nearly $400K Grant to Expand Robotic WorX Pre-Apprenticeships

In case you missed it: Lancaster County Workforce Development Board received a $399,983 grant from the Department of Labor & Industry to expand Robotic WorX—a program that's training students for careers in advanced manufacturing, automation, and robotics. 

We led the effort to bring together the partnerships needed to scale Robotic WorX across Lancaster County. This expansion is part of our broader commitment to growing pre-apprenticeship opportunities regionally, creating accessible career pathways in high-demand industries that drive real economic mobility. 

John Bridgen, President of Precision Cobotics and Robotic WorX Co-Founder, shared his perspective on the expansion: 

"This grant allows us to reach more people across Lancaster County by deepening our partnership with the Workforce Development Board and the communities they serve. By evolving Robotic WorX into a registered pre-apprenticeship, we're creating clear pathways into manufacturing that open doors for individuals and strengthen our regional workforce." 

Workforce 2030 Update: Building a Unified Vision for

Lancaster County

Lancaster County is building momentum around a shared workforce vision—and WE, are leading the way. 

The Workforce 2030 Plan, a collaboration between the Lancaster County Workforce Development Board, Lancaster Chamber, and Lancaster STEM Alliance (with support from Community Action Partnership and EDC Lancaster County), is setting clear priorities for how we connect people to opportunity and employers to talent. 

• The Goal: Create a Lancaster County where every resident can access meaningful work, every employer can find skilled workers, and every organization aligns efforts to strengthen the economy. 

• Why It Matters: The Workforce 2030 Plan isn't just another document – it's a call to action. It's about connecting people to work, aligning resources, and building a talent pipeline that drives long-term economic growth for everyone in Lancaster County. 

• What's Happening Now: Over the past several months, community meetings have brought together 39 organizations and 49 participants to share feedback and recommendations. These conversations are directly shaping the plan, ensuring it reflects the real needs and collective voice of Lancaster County's workforce ecosystem. 

Stay tuned for more updates as we move this vision forward together. 

Spark Students' Interest in Manufacturing with Innovators Quest

By 2033, manufacturers need to fill 3.8 million jobs – and today's 4th graders will be graduating high school that same year. Early career exploration matters. That's why the Workforce Board is excited to announce the availability of Innovators Quest: The Quest for the Crystal of Innovation! 

Innovators Quest introduces students in grades 4-9 to manufacturing skills, concepts, and careers through fun, hands-on activities. This gamified experience is an ideal tool for partner organizations looking to inspire the future manufacturing workforce by volunteering to facilitate or engage locally. 

The Adventure 

In Innovators Quest, students enter "Creatoria," a fictional world where the future of innovation is at risk. Taking on the role of "Innovators," they work in teams to complete challenges, recover crystal shards, and restore the power of the Crystal of Innovation. Along the way, students build critical thinking skills, apply teamwork strategies, and explore modern manufacturing concepts through four immersive realms that reflect real-world industry knowledge and practice. Facilitators—known as "gatekeepers"—use this engaging narrative to build excitement and help students connect each challenge to real-world careers. 

What Students Will Explore 

Students dive into additive manufacturing, aerospace engineering, robotics, quality control, and more—all while discovering their own strengths and interests. The experience works great in classrooms, at community events, summer camps, career expos, or Manufacturing Day celebrations. 

How to Get Involved 

Through our partnership with the Manufacturing Institute, the Workforce Board has received a kit and training to facilitate this experience.

Want to bring Innovators Quest to your students? Contact us at info@lancastercountywib.com to bring this exciting experience to your local community. 

LAST CALL for CRL! January Connections Meeting Registration

What's actually working in your workforce and career readiness programs? Let's start the new year by sharing strategies, swapping ideas, and learning from each other. This quarter's theme is The Power of Industry Partnerships. 

Why Attend? We are setting the stage for a new year connecting our workforce needs with our collective capabilities. Industry partnership comes in all shapes and sizes – just like our businesses. Come think with us, learn with us, and leave with real action steps. Hear from those who are building their workforce eco-system through collaboration and industry partnership.  

• Strategic Focus: The meeting explores the power of partnership in industry growth and expansion, making it relevant for leaders seeking solutions to talent challenges. 
• Inclusive Approach: Partnerships are defined broadly—from large associations to small professional groups—so attendees from diverse sectors can find relevance. 
• Action-Oriented: Learn practical approaches to building both formal alliances and informal networks. 

Event details: 

When: January 23, 2026 

7:30 AM - Networking | 8:00-9:00 AM - Meeting 

Where: Tandem Living Woodcrest Villa – Viva Welcome Centre.  

2001 Harrisburg Pike, Lancaster, PA 17601 

👉Last Chance to Register!

Check out PA CareerLink® Lancaster County Community Resource page for local resources you need in Lancaster County. 

Looking for hiring events near you? Visit a Career Kiosk at your local community organization or public library to explore upcoming opportunities