Developing, attracting, and retaining talent is essential to economic success, and Lehigh Valley’s partnership-based approach has developed and fostered unique ways to introduce young people to career pathways and train the workforce of the future. 

The region’s talent strategies have been recognized with multiple awards, by organizations including the International Economic Development Council, The Council for Community and Economic Research, and the Pennsylvania Economic Development Association.

During National Workforce Development Month, Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation (LVEDC) highlights key parts of those strategies, which are developed in collaboration with organizations including Workforce Board Lehigh Valley.

Apprenticeships

Lehigh Valley has built a unique, collaborative apprenticeship program designed to create a pipeline of talent for advanced manufacturing.

The Industrial Training and Education Consortium (iTEC) was established by a group of Lehigh Valley manufacturers to provide industrial skills training, in partnership with local schools, colleges, universities, and community organizations.

The participating companies recognize the value of working together to build a pool of talent for the region. Certifications include mechatronics, industrial manufacturing technician, machinist, chemistry lab technician, and quality control. 

Hot Careers Dashboard and Hot Careers Guide

Created by LVEDC in partnership with employers, the interactive Hot Careers digital Dashboard and printed Guide highlight the Lehigh Valley’s most in-demand jobs, to help students and other job seekers choose a career pathway. 

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.

Education and Talent Supply Council

LVEDC’s Education and Talent Supply Council brings together more than 100 employers, educators, and community organizations. These leaders collectively create regional strategies to help the Lehigh Valley attract, develop, and retain its workforce.

Establishing those deep relationships and having the right people in the room creates opportunities to collaborate on strategies to address specific needs fast - such as how to help build an 850-member workforce for Eli Lilly and Company, which will break ground soon on a $3.5 billion pharmaceutical manufacturing campus. 

Discussions with Lehigh Carbon Community College, a member of the Education and Talent Supply Council, resulted in the college revising ongoing renovation plans to align facilities and curriculum with Lilly’s needs, specifically by developing a training program for pharmaceutical and biotech workers.

Talent Study

LVEDC regularly surveys Lehigh Valley employers to identify workforce needs and prepares a detailed report that identifies gaps and recommends solutions. The workforce must have skills and qualities aligned with employers’ needs, so intelligence sourced directly from Lehigh Valley companies is critical.

A new study is wrapping up, with the results to be released in the coming months.

What’s So Cool About Manufacturing

Created by the Manufacturers Resource Center, What’s So Cool About Manufacturing? pairs teams of students with manufacturers to produce a video showcasing the innovative technologies that are used and the products that are made in today’s manufacturing. The goal is to introduce students to careers in manufacturing. 

Students from the Lehigh Valley have won the top award in the statewide competition for the past five years.

SkillsUSA Council

SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers, and industry working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. A nonprofit national education association, SkillsUSA serves middle school, high school, and college/postsecondary students preparing for careers in trade, technical, and skilled service occupations.

The Lehigh Valley boasts the only SkillsUSA Council that not only offers all the benefits of SkillsUSA national, but also professional development conferences and interest clubs year-round.

Internships

Employers value internships as a top approach in recruiting early career talent. Here are some ways the Lehigh Valley taps the power of internships: 

• Intern Impact Day: This annual community service event is coordinated by the Volunteer Center of the Lehigh Valley not only to support interns in making an impact on the community, but also for the community to make an impact on them. The hope is that interns will become more engaged with the region and people, leading them to consider the possibility of working in the Lehigh Valley after graduating. 
• Summer Intern Series: Lehigh Valley Inter-Regional Networking and Connecting Consortium (LINC) hosts events that allow visiting and local interns to explore the region, build relationships, and perhaps start to see themselves in the Lehigh Valley in the future. This summer, interns had the chance to enjoy an evening at Shankweiler's Drive-In Theatre, a trivia night at Seven Sirens Brewing, and a summer sendoff party at B. Social in Bethlehem. 
• Internship Resource Guide: This employer toolkit developed by LVEDC in collaboration with 11 Lehigh Valley colleges and universities shares best practices for creating and expanding internship programs and connects employers with career development professionals at these colleges and universities. 

(Photos by Rick Kintzel, Volunteer Center of the Lehigh Valley, LVEDC)