"The Northwest PA Healthcare Industry Partnership's focus on getting the right individual in the right position in order to provide the highest level of care depends upon our member employers' engagement with the educational, governmental, workforce and economic development organizations in our region," said Glenn Brown, chairman for the Northwest PA Healthcare Industry Partnership.
He added, "In light of our region's growing senior population and the correlative increased need for healthcare workers, this collaborative effort has brought significant funding in support of the training of not only those currently employed in healthcare positions, but transitioning job seekers dislocated from other sectors of the economy and first time job seekers into positions within healthcare. PA Healthcare Careers Week highlights the significant role our industry plays in the vitality of our region; economically and socially."
The healthcare industry is the second largest and one of the fastest growing industries in the Northwest PA Workforce Investment Area, which covers Clarion, Crawford, Erie, Forest, Warren, and Venango counties. In some of the region's counties, nearly one out of four of the total civilian labor force is employed in this sector. With an aging population and local healthcare demand increasing, the Northwest PA Workforce Investment Board and its staff, the Regional Center for Workforce Excellence, began to collaborate with a new employer-driven group of local healthcare companies about five years ago to form the Northwest PA Healthcare Industry Partnership (HCIP).
Since that time, this strategic partnership has supported the advancement and sustainability of the industry as a vital component of local economies, addressing issues such as pipeline development, retention, and career pathways. The Northwest PA HCIP's sustainability policies and programs have been recognized by state government and national foundations for their progressive work and innovative programs.
"The Northwest PA Workforce Investment Board is proud to support this week of activities," said Kerry Schwab, chairman of the Northwest PA Workforce Investment Board. "Health Careers Week not only allows us to educate the community on the great jobs available within healthcare, but to highlight the exemplary achievements of our local youth in their pursuit of this field as a career choice."