Office of Workforce Development (OWD) History

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The York County Economic Alliance Office of Workforce Development (OWD) was launched in 2008. The OWD was endorsed by the York County Economic Development Corporation, now the Economic Alliance, YorkCounts, Manufacturers' Association of South Central PA (MASCPA) and York County Alliance for Learning (YCAL). The creation of the OWD was recommended following a number of studies on workforce development resources in York County.

 
The Economic Alliance provides staff and support for the OWD to facilitate various workforce programs. The OWD is the facilitator for workforce development in York County. The OWD works to attract and retain skilled professionals as well as build collaboration between the business and education communities to better prepare our future workforce. The OWD recognizes that a diverse and talented labor pool is vital for growing York County's innovative economy and a vibrant community.

 

2010

  • In July, affiliated with YCAL to build a strong connection with the business community to improve the implementation of programs, ultimately improving the quality and quantity of opportunities for youth. The affiliation remains in line with the OWD's mission to engage employers, educators and community partners to create a life-long learning environment that attracts and retains strong businesses and a diverse talented workforce critical for sustaining a vibrant community and a growing, innovative economy
  • The Career Pathways/STEM Leadership Team was formed:
    • Tom Scholles, UTZ
    • Gregg Manning, Komax
    • Dr. Stewart Weinberg, Dallastown School District Superintendent
    • Lisa Dennis, South Western School District School to Work Coordinator
    • Pam Royer, Retired School to Work Coordinator
  • Completion of "Introduction to Manufacturing Program" in the Hanover Area

2009

  • Received grant from South Central Workforce Investment Board to hire consultants for Career Pathways/STEM initiative program development
  • Launched a countywide coalition of schools, businesses and industry partners in order to reform the education system around Pathways/STEM model
  • Completed "Career Pathways/ Science, Technology, Engineering, Math Proposal: Building a Life-Long Learning Resource for York County" which will serve as guide for future progress on the initiative
  • Worked with Community Progress Council (CPC) and CareerLink to offer more direct services in York City
  • Formalized partnership with YCAL through a Memorandum of Understanding
  • Continued to work with Harley-Davidson and Triumph Corp. Transition Teams to assist dislocated workers through programs such as monthly newsletters and seminar series.

2008

  • OWD is formally launched
  • Organized the "Attracting the Future Workforce" (AWF) committee to develop a plan to inform students about benefits of manufacturing careers
  • Formed Harley-Davidson Transition Team to assist all dislocated HD employees in seeking new employment, and to share information on community resources
  • Business Facilities magazine named Pennsylvania’s workforce 5th most educated in the nation for 2007

2007

  • The Workforce Development Study is released. Building on the efforts of YorkCounts, the study outlines a number of implementation strategies, including the development of high quality workforce development programs. As a result of these studies, a number of York County organizations supported the idea of the Office of Workforce Development.

2006

  • A study of existing York County resources, funded by grant from Senator Waugh's office, looks deeper at a recommendation by YorkCounts for an Office of Workforce in York County.

  • Another significant study, the Industry Cluster Analysis Update, is also released. The Cluster Analysis helps the organization gain insight into the relationships between industry employment, industry clusters and land use planning.