Lehigh Valley’s strategies to support growth in high-value sectors such as the life sciences were shared with national researchers seeking to learn how data can drive workforce development. 
Frank Alvarado, Director of Research & Data Management at Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation, presented the strategies at The Council for Community & Economic Research’s conference, “Mobilizing Data for Community Resilience,” in Memphis on June 18.
C2ER is the nationally recognized, trusted leader in the community, economic, and workforce research field. Alvarado is a member of C2ER's Regional Chapter committee and one of only four researchers in Pennsylvania to achieve the C2ER’s Certified Economic Research Professional designation.
Before an audience of more than 60 researchers and data users, Alvarado explained how the Lehigh Valley leans heavily on partnerships with educational institutions – from public school districts to career and technical schools and colleges and universities – to align skills development with employer needs and to introduce students to careers.
He shared information about the region’s collaborative apprenticeship program, the Industrial Training and Education Consortium (iTEC). An industry-led partnership of manufacturers, education, government, and community organizations, iTEC promotes careers in advanced manufacturing.
Alvarado also pointed out how the Lehigh Valley Hot Careers Dashboard and Guide are tools to guide students, job seekers, and the community to in-demand careers in the Lehigh Valley and assist in long term talent pipeline growth.
The Hot Careers Dashboard grew out of recommendations of LVEDC’s regular talent studies, which include surveys with employers to identify gaps in the alignment of workforce skills and employer needs. The studies and Hot Careers Dashboard are part of LVEDC’s award winning talent strategies program. Two years ago, C2ER recognized the Hot Careers Dashboard with an award.
Alvarado’s presentation was part of a panel discussion titled, “Defining and Delivering Sector Strategy in a Changing Economy.”
The discussion explored how regional partners are defining sectors, addressing skills gaps, and implementing programs that are strengthening their local workforce.