A new summit aims to strengthen the Lehigh Valley workforce. More than 150 employees came together for it on Thursday.
Speakers at the summit said overall, the Lehigh Valley's workforce remains in a good place, but there are a few challenges that were discussed at the inaugural workforce summit at Lehigh Carbon Community College.
"I think a lot of reasons the challenge is how do you sustain growth? How do you take care of the workers who've been in the workforce for a number of years and see acquired skills changing?" said Mike Woodland, Lehigh Valley Workforce Board vice chair and co-owner of Fast Signs Easton
Woodland spoke about how there are a lot of colleges in the area.
"There's a lot of young people entering the workforce, so how do we get them to stay here in the Lehigh Valley, so we have a lot of workers for all the businesses that want to locate here," said Woodland.
The Lehigh Valley will see major companies, like Eli Lilly and Chobani, come here. B. Braun vice president of corporate affairs Pat Witmer said skilled labor now and into the future is critical for the company.
"Many of the skills we're looking for have changed. We're now looking at skills like mechatronics and electronics, mechanical engineering, AI skills," said Witmer.
Dream Catcher Career coach Shelley Maley said 65% of employers do not post positions. She said they look on LinkedIn.
"I would say definitely take advantage of conversations and connections and you know, be available on LinkedIn. Don't just set up an account. You know, you have to be active on LinkedIn. That's how people are finding opportunities," said Maley.
Workforce board member Melanie Kohler said the area's workforce is strong.
"We've got a history of manufacturing behind us, we have a lot of business in technology in the area. We are ripe with talent," said Kohler.
Source: WFMZ