Your bi-monthly update on events, activities, and initiatives from the Lancaster County Workforce Development Board. | |  |
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>>> $3 Million Investment in Apprenticeship for Pennsylvania High School Students
The Shapiro Administration announced a $3 million investment in career development for Pennsylvania’s high school students through pre-apprenticeship opportunities offered by career and technical education (CTE) programs that are run by a school district, employer, community non-profit or economic development organization. The Department of Labor & Industry has partnered with the Department of Education to build a more robust school-to-workforce pipeline by supporting the creation of new and expansion of existing pre-apprenticeship programs within traditional CTE structures.
Click here to read more
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PA CareerLink® Lancaster County Launches <<<
Workforce Development App
On November 20, 2024, PA CareerLink® Lancaster County, in partnership with Engage by Cell, launched a new mobile-friendly app designed to enhance access to workforce development resources. This app gives the community direct access to vital services in the palm of their hand—without the need to download permanently. The PA CareerLink® Lancaster County app is a powerful tool for individuals looking to enhance their careers or enter the workforce, offering users a convenient way to access a variety of resources.
Check out the app here
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CRL! JANUARY CONNECTIONS MEETING – APPRENTICESHIP | |
CRL! kicked off another exciting year with an outstanding Connections Meeting, bringing together over 100 stakeholders representing business, education, and community partnerships. Hosted by Benchmark Construction, the morning focused on Registered Apprenticeships (RAs) and offered valuable insights into building successful apprenticeship programs in Lancaster County. Apprenticeship experts from the state alongside local business representatives shared their advice and experience in creating thriving apprenticeship programs. | |
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Joseph Bass from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry’s Apprenticeship and Training Office provided an overview of state resources for RA programs, along with practical tips for program development and approval.
Want to learn more about Apprenticeships? Connect with our Apprenticeship Navigator here.
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Representatives from Astro Machine Works, including Charissa Gift, Intern Manager, and Chris Roth, Department Supervisor and Apprenticeship Coach, joined Billy Lastinger, General Superintendent at Benchmark Construction, to share inspiring stories about their apprenticeship journeys. Their firsthand perspective on building strong programs and retaining apprentices post-program were invaluable. | |
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Brian Paterniti from The Manufacturers' Association (MA) highlighted local resources and employer support for developing apprenticeship programs. Following the event, we learned about Precision Cobotics’ upcoming partnership with MA—an exciting example of the meaningful connections CRL! helps foster.
Interested in manufacturing training? Explore more courses here.
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Rae Ann Miller from EDC Lancaster County's Center for Regional Analysis shared data-driven insights into local RA demand and opportunities, shedding light on regional workforce needs and growth potential.
Click here to view the full report
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The meeting wrapped up with an inspiring presentation by J.P. McCaskey High School juniors and seniors from the Educators Rising program. Educators Rising is a partnership between the School District of Lancaster (SDoL) and the Lancaster Education Association to address a critical teacher shortage in Pennsylvania. Through Educators Rising, McCaskey students can earn up to 24 credits toward a bachelor’s degree in teaching as well as practice live teaching alongside SDoL teachers. Students shared their experiences in the program, the lessons they’ve learned, and their aspirations in education, while also engaging the audience in meaningful discussion. | |
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The energy and engagement from all attendees were truly motivating, reinforcing our commitment to driving impactful initiatives. We look forward to fostering more connections, sharing insights, and continuing to support career readiness in future CRL! meetings. | | |
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Stay connected with CRL!
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for the latest updates and announcements about our next CRL! Connections meeting!
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The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) has designated "African Americans and Labor" as the theme for Black History Month 2025. This theme honors the vital role of Black workers throughout history, recognizing their contributions across free and unfree labor, skilled and unskilled trades, and both vocational and voluntary work. From agriculture and industry to the military and community building, African Americans have played a transformative role in shaping the nation's economy and culture. | |
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In alignment with this year’s theme, we are proud to highlight the inspiring success stories of individuals who have benefited from our employment support services. With determination and the guidance of PA CareerLink® Lancaster County, these individuals have overcome significant challenges, gained valuable skills, and secured stable employment—strengthening both their futures and our local workforce. | |
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Moliere was referred to the EARN Program as a Haitian refugee with the goal of securing employment in the agriculture sector. Upon enrollment, he encountered several challenges, including the need to obtain working authorization and improve his English language skills. Within three months of starting the program, Moliere successfully received his work authorization. During this period, he took proactive steps to address these barriers by attending English classes at IU-13 to improve his language proficiency.
Additionally, he participated in workshops within the EARN Program to build his resume and attended appointments with the EARN Workforce Development Specialist to prepare for job interviews. Once his working authorization was approved, Moliere, with the support of the EARN Workforce Development Specialist, secured a position at Tyson Foods in New Holland, PA.
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EARN/ Work Ready Program
Moliere’s Story
| EARN (Employment, Advancement, and Retention Network) program was created in Pennsylvania to help individuals receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) overcome barriers to employment. It provides job training, education, and support services to assist participants in securing and retaining sustainable employment. | After a year of stable employment, Moliere successfully completed the EARN Program and earned a well-deserved pay increase, marking a significant milestone in his professional development. | |
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Out-of-School Youth
Zina’s Story
After years of struggle and uncertainty, Zina finally found a path forward. Having dropped out of school after the 8th grade to care for a sick parent, he spent years supporting himself—working as a barista, moving from place to place, and recently facing homelessness. But deep down, he held onto a dream: a career in Historical Restorative Carpentry.
That dream took its first steps toward reality when Zina joined the Out-of-School Youth Program, where he gained hands-on experience through a Paid Work Experience at Keperling Preservations. His dedication didn’t go unnoticed. Recognizing his potential, his Career Navigator referred him to the WIOA Adult and Dislocated Worker Program, opening the door for an On-the-Job (OJT) Training opportunity with the same company. This new opportunity meant more than just training—it was a chance to build a future in the field he loved.
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With guidance from his Career Navigator and support from the Business Services Team, Zina successfully enrolled in the program. Along the way, he also received crucial assistance with food, housing, and a referral to IU13 to work toward earning his GED—something he had put on hold for years.
Now, Zina is thriving. He is employed full-time as an Assistant Carpenter at Keperling Preservations, gaining specialized skills in high-priority trade. He’s also actively pursuing his GED, determined to secure his long-term stability. What once seemed like a distant dream is now within reach—Zina is building more than just historic structures; he’s building a future for himself.
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Welcome new fiscal positions | |
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The LCWDB recently welcomed our new fiscal team—Stephen Samaan, Fiscal Director, and Danielle Shockley, Fiscal Coordinator!
Stephen and Danielle bring extensive expertise in financial management, along with a shared passion for supporting our community. Before joining the Board, Stephen served as the Fiscal Manager for Berks County’s Children and Youth Services, overseeing budgeting and financial planning for critical youth programs. Danielle has a diverse background in financial coordination, with experience at organizations like the United Disabilities Services Foundation, where she supported the Project Manager in overseeing programs that positively impacted individuals with disabilities through efficient resource management and funding allocation.
With their fresh perspectives and expertise, we look forward to their contributions in strengthening LCWDB’s presence in the community and ensuring we continue to serve Lancaster County’s workforce effectively.
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Assistant Director Carrie McCullough Graduates from Business Leads Fellowship | |
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Our Assistant Director, Carrie McCullough, recently graduated from the 10th Cohort of the Business Leads Fellowship, hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Over the past six months, she had the invaluable opportunity to learn from workforce development and education experts from across the nation, collaborating with peers to explore innovative solutions to today’s most pressing challenges.
Alongside her 34 fellow cohort members, Carrie is now equipped with the tools and insights needed to drive meaningful change within our organization and beyond. This achievement not only strengthens our commitment to workforce development but also reinforces our ability to create a lasting impact in the communities we serve. We look forward to applying these learnings to further our mission and foster new opportunities for growth and collaboration.
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Alice’s Kitchen in PA CareerLink® Lancaster County | |
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We are excited to introduce Alice's Kitchen, a joint initiative between PA CareerLink® Lancaster County and The Junior League of Lancaster PA, Inc. This space offers free food and drinks in a safe, welcoming environment specifically to PA CareerLink®’s customers.
Food sharing is a love language for the majority of our PA CareerLink® staff. This project naturally emerged after witnessing many clients struggle with their basic needs while searching for employment. It has been incredibly motivating to see Alice's Kitchen being utilized by so many, demonstrating how one small effort can make a significant impact
Christine Roggenbaum, PA CareerLink® Site Administrator, shared a heartwarming story that truly encapsulates the spirit of Alice’s Kitchen. She said, "One of our team members who works specifically with veterans had a client come in on January 22, 2025. He was elderly and homeless. While we’re working on addressing his homelessness, he was also without food. She took him to Alice’s Kitchen, where he was able to pick out food. He was so happy and grateful! After he left, the staff member came to my office in tears, so moved that we were able to help him immediately. She could have referred him to a food pantry, but he would have had to go through an eligibility process. With our on-site program, he got what he needed right away.”
Alice’s Kitchen is more than just a resource—it’s a reminder of how small acts of kindness can make a big difference in someone's life.
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Explore valuable workforce development resources, including state-level insights, local economic data, and industry-specific information to support your workforce initiatives. | |
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2022-2032 Local Area Long-Term Projections
In January 2025, the Center for Workforce Information & Analysis released the 2022-2032 employment projections for the state’s Metropolitan Statistical Areas and Workforce Development Areas.
These projections provide valuable insights into the evolving industry and occupational landscape of the local workforce. They help anticipate future workforce demand, guide the development or modification of training programs, and inform job seekers—both current and future—about emerging career opportunities.
This data, along with previously released statewide projections, is available on the L&I website at the link below.
Projections, Occupational/Industries
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JOBSEEKER RESOURCES & SUPPORT SERVICES | |
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 37th Annual MLK Breakfast hosted by Community Action Partnership and Crispus Attucks Community Center.
- Attended the Lancaster Chamber’s Marketing Matters Workgroup.
- Attended the Northern Lancaster Chamber’s Annual Address Membership Breakfast.
- Attended the Southern Lancaster Chamber’s January Member Meeting.
- Attended the Lancaster Chamber’s Vision in Action: Northwest and Central Consortium.
- Attended the Lancaster Chamber’s Discovering Path – Healthcare Day at St. Joseph’s University in Lancaster.
- Attended the High Center - High Leadership Speaker Series.
- Attended the Manufacturers’ Association’s Talent & Innovation Defense Ecosystem (TIDE) Consortia.
- Attended Tec Centro’s 10 Years Anniversary.
- Volunteered at Junior Achievement’s STEM Summit.
- And so much more!
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CUSTOMIZED LABOR MARKET INFORMATION | |
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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 have included Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health, Penn State Health, GlaxoSmithKline, highlighting the ongoing demand for skilled workers in the healthcare and manufacturing sectors.
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In addition to familiar names like AutoZone (auto parts retailer) and Fulton Bank, there has been a notable increase in job postings from Millersville University, WellSpan Health, Eurofins, and Soliant Health.
- Registered Nurse and Retail Salesperson remain the most in-demand positions.
- Lancaster leads in job postings, followed by Lititz and Ephrata.
- Currently, there are over 12,300 open positions spanning 602 occupations across 867 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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