Workforce development is a cornerstone of the regional economy and a major indicator of the region's competitive position. In the current economic environment, workforce development has taken center stage and innovative solutions are needed to combat the increasing stories of the unemployed and the underemployed. The challenges and needs of employers must continue to be addressed and the workforce system must collaborate closely with economic and community development for systemic change to take place.

I look forward to building on the strong collaborations that exist in the region between employers, labor, delivery system providers, regional policy makers, and educators to plan and implement a strategic response to local and regional workforce needs. The opportunities that are available in the short-term provide a perfect landscape for success and I am confident that TRWIB's work will strengthen and transform the region's workforce.

Stefani Pashman
CEO, TRWIB

The Workforce Investment Act (WIA) fared well in the Obama Administrations' tight budget request released on February 1, 2010 with a $100 million increase proposed over FY 10. Most importantly, the Administration's FY 11 request continues to fund WIA Adult and Dislocated Worker programs at their current levels.

The major new item in the President's request is the creation of a $321 million WIA Innovation Grants Fund. The Innovation Fund reflects the Administration's effort  to bring to scale effective state and local service strategies. The Administration's FY 11 request also increases funding for green jobs from $40 million this past year to $85 million in FY 11.

Click here to download a chart from the National Association of Workforce Boards (NAWB) that shows WIA and employment service funding.

Governor Rendell's budget address on February 9, 2010 requested the following amounts for specific workforce initiatives:

$1,710,000 for Industry Partnerships (down from $2,000,000 in 2010)
$6,500,000 for Training Activities (down from $7,200,000 in 2010)
$11,000,000 for Customized Job Training (up from $9,000,000 in 2010)

To view the entire budget please go to the Governor's Budget Office website at: www.budget.state.pa.us.

TRWIB's Business and Finance Industry Partnership convened on February 3rd to inform the Understanding the Local Labor Market publication released this month (click here to view). The partnership also established goals and areas of focus for the upcoming year. If you are interested in learning more about this partnership please contact Vera Krofcheck at vkrofcheck@trwib.org or 412-552-7095.

TRWIB's Green Building and Construction partnership convened February 4th and utilized the research done by TRWIB as its starting point for addressing the needs of the industry. Click here to view the Construction publication. In the upcoming months this partnership will be looking to expand its membership with employers representing the broader Green Building and Construction Industry. If you are interested in learning more please contact Micah Frankenfield at mfrankenfield@trwib.org or 412-552-7087.

In the spring of each year, the PA Department of Labor and Industry develops and releases a High Priority Occupation (HPO) list. HPO's are job categories that are in demand by employers, have higher skill needs, and are most likely to provide family sustaining wages. However, because statistical analysis and projections can miss differences and dynamics in local labor markets, the HPO list encourages input from local organizations.

Click here to view the 2009 Statewide High Priority Occupation List and the 2009 Regional High Priority Occupation List.

When the 2010 statewide HPO list is released, TRWIB will distribute the list to local businesses, educational and training institutions, etc. Any organization or institution interested in receiving the statewide HPO list in the spring and/or submitting a petition to add a certain occupation to the HPO list should contact Samson Murage at 412-552-7099 or smurage@trwib.org.

On April 17th-April 23rd, 2010 the 4th annual Imagine Career Week (ICW) will be held in the Pittsburgh region. ICW is a coordinated series of events that focuses on preparing our region's youth for 21st century careers. The week brings together young people, parents, educators, employers, and youth serving agencies that are focused on career education. In 2009 ICW hosted over 2,000 youth, partnered with over 200 employers and over 300 educators, and incorporated over 20 youth serving agencies.

If you are interested in participating, planning on hosting a career education activity during that week or seeking more information please visit http://www.imaginecareerweek.org/ and/or contact Micah Frankenfield at mfrankenfield@trwib.org or 412-552-7087.

In the fall of 2009, the TRWIB Inclusion Committee convened focus groups to learn more about the barriers faced by underrepresented groups in the local labor market. The four groups included: Persons with Disabilities, LGTB (lesbian, gay, transgendered and bisexual), Immigrants, and Interfaith. Findings will be presented to the TRWIB at the February 17th board meeting by Yvette Yescas, TRWIB 2009 intern.

Currently, focus group participants, service providers, TRWIB staff, and board members are working to address the key workforce issues raised in the focus groups. TRWIB will publish one page reports identifying the barriers to employment, expanding on the policy issues, and providing resources for employers to connect with underrepresented groups. The reports will be available on TRWIB's website at www.trwib.org.

The February 2010 issue of Understanding the Local Labor Market delves into the Business and Finance industry. This publication outlines the most in-demand occupations, as well as which areas in southwestern Pennsylvania (SWPA) are experiencing the largest job and business growth. The industry is also analyzed through the wages and turnover rates reflected in varying age brackets and educational levels.

A TRWIB focus group conducted with regional leaders earlier this month highlights the most pressing needs of the industry and suggests possible solutions to ensure the industry thrives in the SWPA region.

Click here to view Understanding the Local Labor Market: Business and Finance.