Workforce
Pennsylvanians have always been known for their hard work and unshakable work ethic.
One example of Pennsylvania's superior work ethic is the Wal-Mart distribution center near Bedford. The center exceeded initial employment estimates and routinely wins corporate production awards, including the Wal-Mart Grocery Distribution Center of the Year three years running. Their productivity serves as an example for other Wal-Mart distribution centers - but their real secret is not in process or methods, but in its dedicated workforce.
Overall, Pennsylvania’s workforce is more than six million strong:
- 86 percent of adults have at least a high school diploma
- 24 percent hold a Bachelor’s degree or higher.
Pennsylvania has several job training programs to ensure that its workforce maintains its skills:
- Customized Job Training – The third largest program in the nation, the Customized Job Training program responds to employer needs by providing grant funds for specialized job training for existing or newly hired employees.
- Guaranteed Free Training Program – Through the Workforce and Economic Development Network of Pennsylvania (WEDnetPA), employees of qualified companies can receive free job training for basic entry-level skills and advanced information technology skills.
- Workforce Investment Act of 1998 – A federal program that provides job training to eligible individuals for private and public sector employers.
Use our funding & program finder to uncover more workforce development initiatives, or learn more about Pennsylvania's workforce.