The Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation (LVEDC) has released the latest edition of its award-winning Hot Careers Dashboard and Guide, highlighting the region’s most in-demand jobs. 
Both tools identify growing careers in the region’s strongest industries, the salaries that can be earned in those occupations, and the education or training needed to obtain those jobs. The dashboard also offers insights into which local institutions offer programs to prepare for those careers.
“From students exploring what’s possible to mid-career professionals ready for a change, Lehigh Valley residents now have updated tools to help them plan their next steps right here at home,” said Karianne Gelinas, LVEDC’s Vice President of Talent Strategies. “These easy-to-use resources are built with regional data and employer insights, providing a clear and up-to-date look at the opportunities the Lehigh Valley has to offer people of all skill and education levels.”
The occupations listed are the most common to appear in Lehigh Valley job postings; employ at least 95 people in the region; and/or were suggested for inclusion by local employers.
The information is vetted by regional industry leaders for accuracy.
The guide, now in its seventh edition, is distributed to the region’s 17 public school districts, as well as charter and parochial schools. At least seven school districts are using the tools as a resource for career exploration.
“I use the Hot Careers Dashboard as part of many conversations at the high school level. It is invaluable to show students and parents real-time data regarding potential employment,” said Jason Wichenbach, Guidance Counselor at Northampton Area School District.
Career counselors at the university level use the tools with students as well, and employers can use the Hot Career Guide and Dashboard with their employees to help them understand opportunities for advancement in their field.
“The Hot Careers Dashboard is an excellent tool for users to explore high-demand areas in healthcare. It is helpful for students making their first big career decisions and for current employees exploring their next career steps,” said Andrea Reger, Career Development Manager at St. Luke’s University Health Network.
LVEDC has created a tutorial video explaining how to use the dashboard. View it here.
You can download the Hot Careers Guide here. It is distributed broadly to school leaders to support career awareness and exploration by 60,000 middle and high school students across the Lehigh Valley.
The dashboard has been recognized with awards by the International Economic Development Council and The Council for Community and Economic Research.
The guide and dashboard are part of LVEDC’s award-winning talent development, attraction, and retention strategies.
LVEDC’s talent attraction and development strategies are driven by the Education and Talent Supply Council, a collaboration of educational institutions, major employers, and economic development and workforce agencies. The council focuses on creating and executing data-driven regional strategies that help the Lehigh Valley maintain a competitive workforce and talent supply.
More information about the Lehigh Valley Talent Strategies can be found here.
(Hot Careers Dashboard photo by Rick Kintzel)