Photo courtesy Senate Republicans State Sen. Scott Hutchinson, R-Oil City, is pictured during a recent Senate Majority Policy Committee hearing at Lycoming College.

State Sen. Scott Hutchinson said he is encouraged by workforce development programs in the state – including here in Warren County – though more can be done.

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.

Hutchinson said the testimony senators heard was valuable as educators described how they can help decrease worker shortages in areas like health care and trade labor. Business and industry leaders described collaborations with educators in high-demand areas while students who spoke said they want more practical experience to better prepare them for careers.

“The discussion reinforced what I’ve seen here in Northwest Pennsylvania, where institutions like PennWest University and Northern Pennsylvania Regional College are working hand-in-hand with local employers to prepare students for high-demand, well-paying careers,” Hutchinson said. “The testimony underscored how collaboration between colleges and employers can strengthen Pennsylvania’s economic competitiveness. In doing so, it is critical to find ways to streamline certification requirements and remove unnecessary government burdens to foster these partnerships for workforce development in our Commonwealth.”

Dr. Charles W. Edmonds, 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.”

Aaron Riggleman, manager of government affairs for the PA Chamber of Business and Industry, reviewed how Pennsylvania could seize new economic opportunities. He specifically discussed how community colleges, PASSHE schools, independent institutions and technical programs all have a role to play in meeting the state’s demand for qualified workers through short-term credentials, apprenticeships and advanced degree pathways in areas like healthcare, energy, trades and technology

“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.”