We've all heard about sharks, right? How they have to keep moving forward to stay alive? Well, the metaphor isn't too far off when it comes to job training and continuing education. The fact is, in today's ultra-competitive, world-class business environment, companies need a workforce that's not only well-trained, but is consistently able to upgrade skills and keep up with new trends and technologies.

That's why the companies, employees and counties of the Penn's Northeast region, as well as the state of Pennsylvania, place a great deal of importance on continuing education and job training.

Customized Job Training (CJT)
Funds to businesses through local education agencies to develop and provide specialized job training to newly hired or existing employees

Guaranteed Free Training Program
Basic skills and information technology training for new employees and new and
expanding businesses

Incumbent Worker Program
Training assistance to individuals currently employed in either a full-time or part-time
position with little or no chance for upward mobility

Workforce & Economic Development Network of PA (WEDnetPA)
Offered by Pennsylvania to strengthen an already healthy and supportive business
environment by rewarding in-state businesses that show solid growth and out-of-state companies that decide to relocate to Pennsylvania. Qualified companies receive free job training.

WorkForce Investment Act of 1998 (Title 1, Subtitle B)
A federal program that provides job training to eligible individuals.

For more information on workforce development programs, visit www.inventpa.com.

Numerous programs exist at colleges, universities and vocational-technical schools throughout the area. These work closely with employers and economic development officials to custom develop training programs and access training grants.

You may contact individual county Industrial Development Corporations for more information on the availability of local programs.

With such strong support for job training and continuing education, no wonder companies in the Penn's Northeast region are guaranteed a workforce that can get them upstream - and fast!