Market Based Workforce Development Education Programs Create Jobs

By Alfonso Gambone, Jr.

The poor state of the Pennsylvania economy requires that we develop innovative job creation programs to jumpstart economic growth. We need to channel educational resources to key occupational skills within those industries to create a job force that would allow potential employers to experience a competitive advantage by relocating, expanding or remaining in Pennsylvania. This advantage will be sustained, quantifiable, and difficult to imitate in a different state.

In support of this goal, I am an advocate of state grants to students enrolling in certificate programs to train individuals in skills needed by high demand industries. These grants will ensure that a need within a growing industry is met by a Pennsylvanian as opposed to a citizen of a different state. These grants will require a partnership between the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA), educators and industry leaders to develop educational programs that will fulfill an immediate need for companies within an industry cluster.

An industry cluster is a group of industries linked by common product markets, labor pools, similar technologies, supplier chains and other economic factors. Focusing on an industry cluster is an efficient method for training a large group of individuals to meet the needs of multiple firms across an industry with similar skill-set needs. It is market-based work force development educational program. It is important to connect educational institutions, the work force and economic development to ensure that students and eventual workers have the necessary skills to compete for higher wage jobs and career advancement.

This market-based approach should focus on targeting grant money toward healthcare and life sciences, diversified manufacturing, information technology, and energy/green services. Studies show that these industries provide workers with above average wages but require a specific level of knowledge and a skill-set. Pennsylvania, with over 100 colleges and universities is in an excellent position to set the standard for this market-based work force development approach.

The Commonwealth should provide incentives to these institutions, to expand their educational offerings beyond the traditional degree programs and develop market-based educational programs which can quickly provide students with skills to meet the immediate needs. While traditional degree programs are no doubt valuable, we should encourage education institutions to develop programs that provide students with immediate access to the labor market. Creating private sector jobs is the key our improving our State's economy. Good jobs fuel growth and encourage a skilled workforce to remain in our state and contribute to that continued success. I encourage you read about my other views on economic development and job growth. Visit http://www.votegambone.com