Yaw, Argall Public Hearing Focused on Higher Education and PA Workforce Partnerships

WILLIAMSPORT - Strategies to strengthen partnerships between educators and workforce development organizations were examined during a public hearing of the Senate Majority Policy Committee hosted by Sen. Gene Yaw (R-23) and Sen. Dave Argall (R-29) at Lycoming College.

Legislators, educators, employers, leaders of labor and career development organizations, and students came together to discuss how fostering partnerships can benefit students looking to pursue in-demand careers and grow Pennsylvania's economy.

"Today's hearing highlighted how local institutions like Lycoming College and Penn College are leading the way in connecting higher education with workforce development," Yaw said. "A strong, skilled workforce is the foundation of our future, and our students are gaining the skills employers need to keep Pennsylvania competitive. I'm grateful to Sen. Argall and the policy committee for bringing this important conversation to Lycoming County."

"We're facing shortages in many key fields: doctors, nurses, dentists, teachers and especially skilled trade laborers," Argall said. "Today's discussion was valuable as we seek to identify key problems and bridge any gaps that exist between our educators and these important industries."

Educators

Charles W. Edmonds, Ed.D., president of Lycoming College, shared his perspective on how colleges and universities need to adapt to new technologies like artificial intelligence, noting that teaching critical thinking and problem-solving skills are more important than ever.

John Yudichak, president of Luzerne County Community College, discussed new programs which aim to directly address regional workforce needs, including the new Technology and Trades Workforce Consortium in northeast Pennsylvania.

"Pennsylvania faces a projected 218,000-worker shortage by 2032 due to credential gaps, including more than 12,000 workers needed in the trades and maintenance alone," Yudichak said. "Without immediate and sustained investment in workforce development, these gaps will only grow wider."

Thomas P. Foley, J.D., president of the Association of Independent College and Universities of Pennsylvania, discussed the importance of lifelong education in today's economy.

"In the world students and future workers inherit, where change is constant - not the exception - work and learning, and core values of our institutions will be indispensable to each other. Learning how to learn, even as graduates begin to earn an income (with which to stay in school or to build a family), will be the primary prerequisite for the new economic world into which they will graduate," Foley said.

Employers

Aaron Riggleman, manager of government affairs for the PA Chamber of Business and Industry, reviewed how Pennsylvania could seize new economic opportunities.

"Looking ahead, Pennsylvania has the chance to lead in the coming technological revolution. Community colleges, PASSHE schools, independent institutions and technical programs all have a role to play in meeting this demand through short-term credentials, apprenticeships and advanced degree pathways. Pennsylvania's ability to align higher education with employer demand, whether in healthcare, energy, trades, or technology, will determine whether we grow and retain investment or see it shift elsewhere," Riggleman said.

Labor and Career Development

Erica Mulberger, executive director for Advance Central PA, discussed how her organization connects different groups together to develop and maintain a quality labor force throughout central Pennsylvania.

"Too often, people portray higher education and workforce development as in conflict with each other. In Central PA, that couldn't be further from the truth. With some simple policy changes and incentivizing partnerships, our schools and training programs can work in concert to ensure that Pennsylvania's workforce is the strongest in the nation," Mulberger said.

The full video of the hearing, list of participants and written testimony are all available on the committee's website.

CONTACT: Elizabeth Weitzel (Yaw)
Jim Brugger (Argall)