Tec Centro Lebanon
Tec Centro Lebanon is a workforce development organization that opened in August 2023 in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania. It focuses on providing certification programs aimed at expanding employment opportunities and addressing local workforce challenges. The center has already graduated 113 students and continues to grow its offerings, emphasizing skill trades such as carpentry and plumbing. Tec Centro Lebanon actively participates in community and federal initiatives, including the Federal Reserve’s Reinventing Our Communities (ROC) Cohort Program, to strengthen local workforce development efforts. Its mission is to overcome barriers like credentialing obstacles and transportation issues to connect residents with stable, well-paying jobs and foster economic growth in the region.
News Summary
On October 7, 2023, Anna Paulson, President and CEO of the Philadelphia Federal Reserve, visited Lebanon County to engage with local leaders on workforce development. The roundtable at Lebanon Valley Chamber of Commerce highlighted cross-sector collaboration for job training and addressing employment barriers, particularly for disabled residents and those facing credentialing issues. Paulson’s visit is part of a larger effort to connect local initiatives with federal economic discussions, emphasizing community coordination in overcoming workforce challenges.
Lebanon, Pennsylvania – October 7, 2023
The Philadelphia Federal Reserve President and CEO Anna Paulson visited Lebanon County to engage with local business and workforce communities about job training and upskilling efforts. This visit took place as part of her broader tour of the Federal Reserve’s Third District, which includes Central and Eastern Pennsylvania, Southern New Jersey, and Delaware.
During her visit, Paulson participated in a roundtable discussion at the Lebanon Valley Chamber of Commerce with community leaders and local employers. The focus was on the importance of cross-sector collaboration in workforce development, encouraging community groups and nonprofits to work together without competition. Topics included creating job opportunities for disabled residents and preparing workers to utilize AI technology in the workforce.
The Lebanon Valley Chamber of Commerce has maintained an ongoing relationship with the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia for several years, which has facilitated continuous dialogue about workforce issues. Tec Centro Lebanon, a key participant in these discussions, attended the Philadelphia Fed’s Reinventing Our Communities (ROC) Cohort Program in 2024 to help strengthen local workforce initiatives.
Community Initiatives and Challenges
Paulson’s visit included a tour of the WEPA Empowerment Center, which is investing $1.4 million in renovations to enhance workforce training opportunities in Lebanon County. Tec Centro Lebanon, which opened to the public in August 2023, has already graduated 113 students from various certification programs and aims to expand its offerings.
Challenges facing job seekers in Lebanon County were highlighted during the discussions. The Executive Director of Tec Centro Lebanon noted issues such as underemployment and transportation hindrances. Credentialing barriers for professionals trained outside Pennsylvania, particularly for healthcare workers from Puerto Rico, were also identified as significant obstacles for employment.
Labor Market Insights
The ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) report revealed that 27% of households in Lebanon County have at least one employed person but struggle to afford basic necessities. With a living wage estimated at approximately $21.50 an hour, many jobs available in the area offer significantly lower pay.
In response to workforce needs, local organizations are collaborating to develop programs covering a range of skilled trades, including basic carpentry and plumbing. These initiatives aim to address the barriers individuals face in accessing stable employment, focusing on critical areas such as child care, transportation, and affordable housing.
Conclusion
Paulson’s visit is part of an effort to connect local workforce development initiatives with federal economic policy discussions that aim for stable prices and maximum employment. The coordination among community organizations and local businesses is seen as essential for effectively addressing the workforce barriers present in Lebanon County.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
DAS Companies to Lay Off 100 Employees in Central Pennsylvania
Additional Resources
- Lebanon Daily News: Philadelphia Fed President Meets Local Leaders
- Central Penn Business Journal: PA Workforce Development Association
- Local 21 News: Tec Centro Lebanon Empowers Adults
- Business Wire: Bayer Unveils Investment in Myerstown, PA
- Google Search: Lebanon County Workforce Development
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