August 10, 2023 The Region that’s Bridging the Workforce Skills Gap

How the Lehigh Valley defies workforce shortages with award-winning strategies.

The United States is facing a shortage of skilled workers, specifically within its manufacturing sector, which could result in 2.1 million unfilled jobs by 2030. But contrary to national trends, one Pennsylvania region is seeing its manufacturing workforce grow and its thanks to award winning talent strategies.

With the lowest unemployment rate since 2001, Lehigh Valley led Pennsylvania’s pandemic jobs recovery, and jobs exceed the number before the pandemic, with employment in its manufacturing sector outpacing the nations. The sector now employs 36,000 in Lehigh and Northampton counties and the larger metro region produced an output of $8.4 billion in 2021 and accounts for 18% of the region’s record $47 billion GDP. The region also captured significant expansions within the last two years, including Air Products (employing approximately 2,000), B. Braun Medical (employing 2,000) and Evonik (creating 50 new jobs).

But not just any talent can do the job – to be able to offer the right talent, specific skillsets are sought by local employers. Here’s how Lehigh Valley is ensuring that:

• Technical Schools: The Lehigh Valley has three Career and Technical schools that prepare more than 1,000 high school students each year. This includes Pennsylvania’s largest career and technical school, Lehigh Career & Technical Institute, which provides more than 45 skills-based programs to nine public school districts. The region is also home to SkillsUSA, a national student organization that develops employability, participatory and leadership skills to complement the occupational skills developed by students in technical education classrooms or work-based learning sites. 
• Resources and community support: In collaboration with education and business partners, The Lehigh Valley has developed the Lehigh Valley Hot Careers Guide, covering major job sectors in the region. The guide, which also can be viewed in an interactive, digital dashboard, provides a clear visual representation of career opportunities, giving students a basis for meaningful career exploration based on individual interests. For businesses looking to build out a talent pipeline, each year the region hosts the Lehigh Valley Internship Summit. And based on new research for in demand skills provided by The Education and Talent Supply Council, Lehigh Valley is in constant development of curricula for employability skills in partnership with Lehigh Valley schools.
• Colleges and Universities: Lehigh Valley colleges – such as Lafayette College, Cedar Crest College and Lehigh University – award more than 10,000 degrees each year in a wide range of disciplines. St. Luke’s University Health Network and Temple University’s Lewis Katz School of Medicine expanded their partnership so that incoming students may complete their entire medical school education in Bethlehem. This makes Temple/St. Luke’s the Lehigh Valley’s first four-year medical school campus. Many graduates continue with residencies in the St. Luke’s health network and join staff when they complete their studies.

Lehigh Valley’s success in bridging the workforce gap serves as a blueprint for other regions striving to navigate the complex landscape of modern employment. Through collaboration, education, innovation, and a commitment to lifelong learning, the region has positioned itself for sustained economic growth and prosperity. As technology continues to reshape industries, the Lehigh Valley’s journey offers valuable lessons on adaptability and the power of community-driven solutions.

Subscribe to Industry Today