Create career pathways to fast-growing, 21st century jobs

Develop a skilled workforce that meets the needs of Pennsylvania's business community

Governor's Goals, a new resource from the Wolf Administration, sets measurable goals aligned to Governor Wolf's three top priorities: Jobs that Pay, Schools that Teach, and Government that Works.

Promote access to good-paying jobs for all Pennsylvanians

Our workforce demands are driven by the companies that make up our commonwealth. Knowing how and where growth is happening in a constantly evolving economy is critical to moving Pennsylvania forward.

Pennsylvania faces a changing economy that's placing new demands on our workers and businesses. Employers are hiring, but the job-skills gap in today's workforce too often leads to a shortage of qualified job candidates. At the same time, too many workers are employed in low-wage jobs and lack the training they need to compete for in-demand careers. To meet these common challenges, state government, the education sector, labor, and industry must all work together to close the skills gap and build a well-trained workforce.

Welcome to the Keystone Economic Development and Workforce Command Center Data Dashboard. The Command Center, created by executive order of Governor Tom Wolf in February 2019, brings an innovative approach to addressing the critical issue of training qualified workers for the jobs Pennsylvania companies need to fill.
Here you will find data related to four themes:
Economic Drivers of Pennsylvania's workforce outcomes, such as local employment growth and business activity;
Information on Pennsylvania's Labor Force, including the state's unemployment and labor force participation rates;
The performance of Pennsylvania's Education and Training programs; and
Barriers to employment for Pennsylvania job-seekers.
Content for the Data Dashboard is updating continually, so please check back often. For more information on the Keystone Economic Development and Workforce Command Center, visit the Command Center website at https://www.pasmart.gov/command-center/

Pennsylvania's current low unemployment rate has created a tight labor market with a shortage of job applicants. Looking ahead, slow population growth and an anticipated surge in retirements present an urgent need to attract more skilled workers to our commonwealth, retain the ones who are already here, and prepare the next generation of workers for in-demand careers.

This is a link to Department of Human Services Employment and Training website that offers a map from Employment, Advancement, & Retention Network (EARN) of the following:
Where it's offered:
• All Pennsylvania counties
For you if:
• You have a work history and high school diploma or GED
• You have trade skills, a certification, or a college degree
• Are eligible for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).
Benefits:
• Help to find and keep a job
• Resume workshops
• Mock job interviews
• Community service
• Help understanding personal finances
• Certificate and trade programs
• Apprenticeship opportunities
Can help you:
• Get and keep employment that allows you to support yourself and family.

WORK READY
Where it's offered:
• In select counties; talk with your caseworker about availability.
For you if:
• You and your family need more time/help before starting training or work
• You are preparing to enter or return to the job market
• You want to get your high school diploma or GED
• Are eligible for TANF or SNAP
Benefits:
• Help with a criminal history, pregnancy, difficulties at home, and more
• Provides referrals to other community help
• Helps to prepare for and obtain GED
• Educates on personal finances, parenting, healthy food choices, and more
• Help to get ready for employment
Can help you:
• Overcome challenges, get your diploma or GED, prepare for other programs

Keystone Education Yields Success (KEYS)
Where it's offered:
• In select counties; talk with your caseworker about availability.
For you if:
• You are already going to a Pennsylvania community college and meet certain additional requirements.
• You are interested in attending a Pennsylvania community college and meet certain additional requirements
• If you are eligible for TANF or SNAP
(Please check with your caseworker to see if you qualify)
Benefits:
• Help with the college system, including financial aid and career exploration
• Supports to help students succeed
• Class and some study time are counted activities toward hourly requirements
• Peer groups that link KEYS students for support
Can help you:
• Graduate from college with your degree or certificate and start your career

ELECT
Where it's offered:
• In select counties; talk with your caseworker about availability.
For you if:
• You are age 22 or younger and want to get your high school diploma or high school equivalency (HSE) credential
Benefits:
• Helps to prepare for and obtain a high school diploma or HSE
• Education on budgeting and finances, child development and parenting skills, health care and nutrition, healthy relationships, and more
• Vocational, career, and job readiness training
• Intensive case management, including home visits
Can help you:
• Overcome challenges, get your diploma or HSE, and secure post-graduation employment, education, or training

SNAP 50/50
(Currently only available in Philadelphia, Lancaster, Harrisburg, and Pittsburgh)
For you if:
• You only get SNAP benefits and want to get hands-on learning experiences in skilled job fields
Benefits:
• Local community-based organizations offering work experience and skills training
• Work in fields with a living wage
• Ability to learn new skills and build work history while getting SNAP
• Some providers focus on helping people on SNAP with a criminal history or probation/parole
Can help you:
• Get and keep skilled employment that allows you to support yourself and your family