Employers
Workforce development is a critical challenge for Pennsylvania. To meet this challenge, the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) is
rethinking its role in Pennsylvania’s workforce ecosystem.
#Prepared4PA is strengthening university partnerships with businesses and industry. The program supports the current and future workforce by linking education and industry. Universities need the business community and workforce development groups to collaborate with them.
There are 14 universities in PASSHE. The system supports each of these universities as they serve students who will become part of the workforce ecosystem. The system also builds industry-education-workforce collaboratives to encourage connections within the workforce ecosystem.
PASSHE is forging partnerships to build our talent pipeline. Leveraging strategies in the #Prepared4PA Employer Engagement Action Plan, institutions and training providers are strengthening relationships across the workforce ecosystem to align to industry needs and provide the education and training that most needed for in-demand jobs.
#Prepared4PA Employer Engagement Action Plan
Learn about the current #Prepared4PA Pilot Programs
Employers can use the competency maps for reference when establishing partnerships with universities to articulate the competencies, skills, and credentials needed for the specific programs and targeted occupations. These data will inform quality, robust, industry-validated training and education programs.
Benefits of Employer-Education Partnerships
PASSHE focuses on building relevant and responsive partnerships within today’s workforce ecosystem. Business partners ensure that the institutions build the right talent pipelines for each industry. Partnerships also open better educational opportunities and meaningful careers for working adults.
Recruiting graduates from your local university for your business may be a top priority, but that is not the only benefit of partnering with universities. For example:
Universities can help your workforce master technical or foundational skills.
Business leaders can join university advisory committees to give their input. Topic areas could include work-based learning and curriculum development.
Employers can ensure universities understand what they need in their workforce. Businesses can explain the value of soft skills like critical thinking and problem-solving. Universities can incorporate learning these skills into the curriculum.
Universities can develop the best educational pathways for entering your industry. Customized industry-recognized stackable credentials can provide critical entry-level training.
Universities can design impactful professional development programs based on employer needs.
Universities can provide short-term training for workers.
There are many other ways employers can engage with universities. Universities can tailor a partnership to match each business’ capacity and level of commitment.