Hazleton Works, new workforce development initiative, begins today

Apr. 13—Starting Tuesday, a new initiative hones in on what employers and job seekers in the Hazleton area need by identifying how people can get the right training and skills for employment.

Called Hazleton Works, it's a campaign that involves a collaborative effort between schools, employers and community organizations. The campaign will inform students and educators of local opportunities, improve understanding of the required education and training for the positions and help schools tailor curriculums and course offerings to align with the regions needs. Potential students will be able to see what careers exist, where to obtain training and where job opportunities are.

CAN DO joined Partners in Education, the Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce, Pennsylvania CareerLink and other community partners to launch Hazleton Works.

The Hazleton Works website at www.hazletonworks.com will serve as a central location for the public to discover training opportunities in the area. The website, which was created by Posture Interactive, is designed to assist high school students who are looking for industrial training to complete their diploma, people seeking their first career or job training, displaced workers and individuals who are re-entering the workforce and need to update their training.

The website features a link to a career assessment to help individuals match their personality with a career passion, as well as a list of career fields and the colleges and universities that offer educational training programs for those fields. There is a section with links to the Pennsylvania CareerLink website where employers, job seekers, veterans and young adults can receive information about career opportunities and internships. The site will also include information on local job fairs and funding sources for training.

As the program moves forward, facilitators are optimistic that current and future students will benefit through programs that target specific skill gaps. The initiative plans to serve as a conduit for students and parents, exposing them to workforce and career options earlier in their K-12 education while boosting awareness of local opportunities through virtual programs and events.

"Hazleton Works is the type of program that breathes life into the chamber's mission 'to provide valuable information as well as help improve the business climate and quality of life in Greater Hazleton,'" said Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce President Mary Malone in a news release.

The program will serve chamber members but also the community at large, keeping them informed of local job opportunities and the ways to get to that desired career, Malone said.

"The other aspect that has proven personally and professionally rewarding is the partnership of many organizations, led by CAN DO, to create and coordinate this initiative. When we work together, the opportunities to build our community and progress forward are limitless," Malone said.

PA CareerLink Administrator Christine Jensen said in the release, "The Luzerne/Schuylkill Workforce Development Board and the PA CareerLink Luzerne County are excited to partner with CAN DO on the Hazleton Works project. We look forward to working with them to educate those in Greater Hazleton about high priority occupations in the area, what skills and education are needed to succeed in those careers, and how they can get the education they may need to obtain one of these positions."

Jensen said CareerLink may be able to assist with funding for training in high priority occupations and is always available for matching job seekers with local employers.

"As part of our strategic plan, CAN DO has placed a focus on the facilitation of workforce development initiatives that will benefit Greater Hazleton. Through the Hazleton Works campaign, we plan to help develop active industry partnerships through organic engagement with the community," said CAN DO Director of Economic Development Jocelyn Sterenchock in the release.

Hazleton Works was launched as a result of the Education, Workforce and Training Needs Assessment, a study commissioned by Partners in Education and conducted by The Institute for Public Policy & Economic Development at Wilkes University. The assessment was funded using part of a grant the Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce received last fall from Luzerne County to undertake economic development initiatives. The grant was part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act funding the county received from the state.

The study's findings were gathered by surveying local employers and interviewing businesses and organizations, as well as Hazleton Area School District personnel and leaders of higher education institutions.

Among its findings, the study showed that the majority of Greater Hazleton's population (33%) falls in the 20-44 age range, with a median age of 39.8. More than 85% of area residents are high school graduates or higher and nearly 21% have at least obtained a bachelor's degree.

The assessment was appreciated as was the time and consideration of the businesses and education partners, said Partners in Education Executive Director Cathy Colangelo in the release. "We were pleased with the thoroughness of the responses and feel it will set a great foundation for us to begin developing strategic plans for the business education partnership as we come out on the other side of the pandemic."

Contact the writer: achristman@standardspeaker.com; 570-501-3584