SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA CO. (WOLF) — Luzerne County Community College brought education, labor and business leaders together Tuesday to discuss the need for more skilled trade workers across Northeastern Pennsylvania.
The regional symposium, “Building NEPA’s Skilled Trade Workforce,” was held at LCCC Scranton as part of National Workforce Development Month. Organizers said Pennsylvania could face a shortage of 300,000 skilled trade workers by 2030.
Discussions focused on expanding career pathways, registered apprenticeships and partnerships among career and technical schools, colleges, unions, workforce agencies and employers.
LCCC President John Yudichak said the state must respond through greater collaboration and accessible training programs that lead to stable, well-paying careers.
The event included panels featuring representatives from energy, advanced technology, construction, higher education and organized labor. It was moderated by Greater Scranton Chamber President and CEO Bob Durkin and Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber President and CEO Lindsay Griffin-Boylan.