“South-Central PA Works”

Presenters:

• Mr. Jesse McCree, Chief Executive Officer
• Mrs. Hillary Lyle, Director of Strategic Initiatives

Event Date: May 14, 2025

Event Location: International Service Center (ISC)

A Multicultural Community Orientation took place at the International Service Center on May 14, 2025. This educational session, offered to 28 multicultural staff and refugee clients, focused on expanding awareness of workforce development opportunities and support services available throughout South-Central Pennsylvania.

Representing South-Central PA Works (SCPa Works) were Mr. Jesse McCree, Chief Executive Officer, and Mrs. Hillary Lyle, Director of Strategic Initiatives, who provided a comprehensive overview of regional workforce development, training programs, and employment pathways designed to serve both job seekers and employers.

The presentation began with an introduction to the role of workforce development boards under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). Attendees learned how these boards allocate federal, state, and local resources to employment and training programs, as well as manage PA CareerLink centers across the region.

During the presentation, the presenters discussed a variety of high-demand training programs available through SCPa Works, including pathways to certified nursing assistant, phlebotomy, medical assistant, HVAC, plumbing, and commercial driving (CDL). To improve accessibility, SCPa Works offers support with transportation (bus passes and gas cards), credentialing fees, and training materials, ensuring that more individuals can pursue sustainable career paths without facing financial or logistical barriers.

A central focus of the session was the importance of inclusive workforce strategies, particularly for clients with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) and refugees with professional experience from their home countries. Our team engaged in meaningful discussions with the presenters about how services such as digital literacy training, career advising, and tailored support can make the workforce system more equitable and accessible to newcomers.

Attendees also learned about current labor market trends, including a 3.77% unemployment rate in the region, over 4,000 job openings, and a 36% increase in wage rates since 2020. The workforce board continues to focus on preparing job seekers for roles in healthcare, transportation, warehousing, finance, and information technology—industries that are key to the region’s economic growth.

The session concluded with a discussion on the future of work, emphasizing the need for both durable skills (such as adaptability, communication, and teamwork) and digital skills (including IT literacy, cybersecurity, and data analysis) to prepare for long-term career success in a rapidly changing economy.

The Multicultural Community Orientation was a valuable experience for all participants, providing not only knowledge but also hope for a stronger, more inclusive workforce system. As a partner in welcoming and empowering newcomers, ISC looks forward to continuing collaboration with SCPa Works to support pathways to meaningful employment for all community members.