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Aging Study

Managing the Changing Workforce in Southwestern Pennsylvania: A Closer Look at Issues Related to Our Region's Aging Workforce

Understanding the implications of the aging of our region's population has become a pressing issue for several policy areas including workforce development. In partnership with Carnegie Mellon University's Center for Economic Development, the Three Rivers Workforce Investment Board has conducted a study entitled "Managing the Changing Workforce in Southwestern Pennsylvania: A Closer Look at Issues Related to Our Region's Aging Workforce" which examines industries impacted by the aging demographics of our region. This research, partially funded by the Heinz Endowments through the Regional Workforce Collaborative of Southwestern Pennsylvania, utilizes the following sources: Local Employment Dynamics (LED), a new data source developed by the US Census Bureau; industry surveys of 1,500 employers; and input from various industry experts. This study was conducted to define the issue and its implications and to examine how changing demographics may shape the region's workforce composition and growth potential.

This study is not meant to sit on a shelf. It is intended to lay the groundwork to formulate actions for relevant audiences particularly employers, as well as policymakers, educators, funders, workforce development professionals, industry leaders, and concerned citizens. We anticipate that this information will help frame our understanding of the issue in a more informative way, determine needed interventions, and understand where we need to drill down deeper. Study findings are being released in installments.

Introduction, Methodology, and Key Findings (April 2006) — Please note a correction/clarification to Page 17 of this report. The report initially issued on 4.21.06 included an incorrect finding. The ratio of RNs older than 40 and younger than 20 was misstated. The correct ratio is the following: The ratio of RNs age 35 years and older to RNs under 35 is five to one. Please refer to Page 17 and the appropriate Endnote (Endnote 8) for amplifying details. In addition, you may contact the TRWIB at 412.552.7090 if you have additional questions.

In-Depth Industry Profiles

Petroleum and Coal Products Manufacturing (May 2006) — This industry sub-sector includes firms that process crude and refined petroleum into coal and petroleum products. Both petroleum and coal product firms are present in southwestern PA

Mining (May 2006) — This industry sub-sector includes firms that mine for coal, rock, metal and fertilizer but not oil or natural gas. Excluded are mining support companies that work primarily on a contract basis to support mining operations.

Primary Metals Manufacturing (May 2006) — This industry sub-sector includes firms primarily engaged in the smelting of raw ore or scrap metal for the production of ferrous and nonferrous metals as well as the production of metal alloys (ex: steel, aluminum alloys) into basic shapes for future use. Not included in this category: firms primarily engaged in the further processing of metal into fabricated metal products (such as metal stamping).

Air Transportation (May 2006) — Industries in this sub-sector provide air transportation of passengers and/or cargo using aircraft, such as airplanes and helicopters. The sub-sector distinguishes scheduled from nonscheduled air transportation. Not included in this sub-sector: scenic and sightseeing air transportation along with air courier services.

Utilities (May 2006)

Transit and Ground Passenger Transportation (June 2006)

Executive Summary Recommendations (June 2006) — A brief overview of study findings.

We invite you to view the TRWIB Aging Resource Toolkit. Let’s work together to define best practices that will help us retain and develop the next workforce.

As a follow-up to our study with Carnegie Mellon University’s Center for Economic Development, "Managing The Changing Workforce in Southwestern Pennsylvania," TRWIB has examined how changing demographics may shape the region’s workforce composition and growth potential. Along with a series of roundtable discussions about this issue, TRWIB hosted a forum on October 19, 2007 for employers, workforce specialists, and policy makers to delve further into employer best practices to address the shifting demographics of southwestern PA.

The Aging Resource Toolkit represents one finished product of our work on this crucial issue.

We welcome your feedback. Please contact us if you have questions or comments.