Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corp.’s talent initiatives were highlighted recently by Forbes as a model for how to address the shortage of skilled manufacturing workers. 
The article, “Solving The Skilled Workforce Shortage Will Take A Hands-On Approach,” was published May 31. In addition to noting LVEDC’s work, Forbes noted the career exploration programs offered by the new Da Vinci Science Center in Allentown.
Forbes cited a study projecting there would be 1.9 million unfilled factory jobs by 2033. The article explored solutions to meet that demand.
The article described the work of LVEDC as a “good example” of how economic development organizations are becoming increasingly involved in helping manufacturers develop the talent they need.
Manufacturing is a leading driver of the Lehigh Valley’s growing economy. More than 700 manufacturers generate a collective annual output of $8.1 billion, representing 16% of the region’s record $50.2 billion Gross Domestic Product.
“We build coalitions, then we work to build solutions,” Karianne Gelinas, Vice President of Regional Partnerships & Talent Strategies at LVEDC, told Forbes.
She explained how LVEDC produces an annual Hot Careers Guide to help students chart career paths.
“It’s a document that outlines the most in-demand occupations according to number of job postings, and it also outlines educational requirements and approximate entry-level wages,” Gelinas said
It’s critical to show that excellent careers can be had without obtaining a four-year college degree, she said.
LVEDC also recently created a digital, interactive version of the Hot Careers Guide, the Hot Careers Dashboard, which was recognized recently with an award from the Council for Community and Economic Research.
Gelinas told Forbes about the Lehigh Valley’s new apprenticeship program, the Industrial Training and Education Consortium of the Lehigh Valley (iTEC).
iTEC is a partnership of industry, education, government, and community organizations to promote careers in advanced manufacturing. LVEDC provides administrative support to iTEC.
“We administer a new coalition of industrial users, initially spearheaded by B. Braun, but with the likes of Lutron … OraSure … and a number of manufacturers who have come together and said, ‘Hey, this workforce issue is strong enough that we want to meet with our competitors. We want to figure out how to go about this talent pipeline issue together,’” Gelinas told Forbes.
It's important to expose students to careers in manufacturing and skilled trades at a young age, and the new the Da Vinci Science Center that opened in Allentown in May is doing that.
“We have to attract kids early and young, and have programs for all ages,” Lin Erickson, Da Vinci’s CEO and Executive Director, told Forbes.
She said Da Vinci built a program based on a survey LVEDC had conducted of needed skills, including basic employability and STEM knowledge.
“The topics were selected for a variety of reasons, but careers and industry in the region were an important part of that,” Erickson said.
As they explore through fun, hands-on activities over the Da Vinci Science Center’s two levels, curious visitors learn about career opportunities.
The Science in the Making exhibit is presented by ATAS International, a manufacturer of building components that recently broke ground on another expansion. The exhibit encourages visitors to learn about scientific and engineering principles and how they are applied daily at Lehigh Valley manufacturers and other employers.
Companies and organizations that contributed their knowledge to that exhibit and others at the Da Vinci Science Center include: Air Products, B. Braun Medical, C.F. Martin & Co., Lehigh Valley Health Network, Mack Trucks, Manufacturers Resource Center, Olympus, PPL, Rexroth, and Victaulic.
“There are career kiosks … in these you get your personality profile, so it’s kind of fun. That profile then connects you, in the manufacturing gallery, to manufacturing jobs that might be aligned with your profile. The companies developed all those with us,” Erickson said.
“We are in many ways a connector,” Erickson added. “We do a lot of work with schools to help kids be ready to meet state standards, and we do a lot of work with companies in designing our exhibit experiences.”
In addition to those cited by Forbes, LVEDC’s award-winning talent initiatives include the Education and Talent Supply Council, which brings together leaders in business, education, and workforce development to share information about workforce development strategies.
In partnership with the Lehigh Valley’s colleges and universities, LVEDC holds an annual Internship Summit where employers and educators share best practices for creating meaningful internship programs, which are a key piece of the talent pipeline.
(Middle photo courtesy of iTEC. Bottom photo by Rick Kintzel.)