Hanover Twp., Luzerne County, PA -
A good job can't be measured just by a punch clock. Today, work is a dynamic concept requiring a workforce adaptable to changing market forces, technology, and societal needs. Trends are emerging that are prompting the need for fresh approaches to workforce development.
Over the last 10 years, Pennsylvania has seen careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields exceeding the growth of other types of occupations. By 2026, there will be nearly 600,000 job openings in Pennsylvania, with STEM jobs growing at over nine percent. How will Pennsylvania's workforce rise to the occasion and meet this rapidly growing demand for a skilled workforce, and what can the commonwealth do to help labor and industry make that happen?
PAsmart is the answer. A new initiative created by Gov. Tom Wolf, PAsmart is a multipronged, inclusive approach to ensuring Pennsylvania has the most prepared, talented, and skilled workforce in the country.
By helping public programs and initiatives to work in a smarter, more coordinated way, PAsmart empowers all Pennsylvanians to develop the skills and knowledge they need to train for the quality jobs they want while also helping businesses address complex workforce challenges. PAsmart is dedicated to enabling every Pennsylvanian to succeed, with resources for workers with disabilities, veterans, adults or returning students, and individuals looking to take their skillset to the next level for future opportunities.
PAsmart is currently providing $30 million in grants to strengthen K-12 STEM and computer science education, expand registered apprenticeships, and support job training and Industry Partnership programs. This funding is targeted to support economic growth, education, training, government collaboration, and alignment of key resources.
On Feb. 5, 2019, Gov. Wolf announced the launch of PAsmart.gov, which is a new online resource for all of Pennsylvania's education, training, and job search tools to help people get information about pursuing an education and career in Pennsylvania at any stage of life. The new website complements PAsmart's strategic funding investments and provides students, jobseekers, and current workers access to a wide variety of STEM education, training, and apprenticeship resources.
We know there's no one-size-fits-all approach to developing new skills or choosing a career path, which is why PAsmart is making diverse, dedicated investments in education, workforce training programs, apprenticeships, industry partnerships, and new online tools and resources. Ready to find your own path to success? Visit the PAsmart website today to take the first step toward achieving your career goals.
PAsmart.gov is the go-to resource for students, jobseekers, and workers to learn about new career opportunities, skill and training programs and helpful resources for getting the job of today and learning the skills of tomorrow. PAsmart is focused on ensuring Pennsylvania students and workers have the skills and abilities to meet the economic needs of the 21st century.
