Industry and Population Shifts | Deteriorating Infrastructure | Advancing Technology |
Land Development Limitations | Challenges for Agriculture | Workforce Development Issues |
Planning and Coordination
Workforce Development Issues
While Chester County’s population has historically been among the best educated in the region and the state, the rapidly changing needs of developing industries are making it difficult to fill positions in the Information Services, Life Sciences, and Diversified Manufacturing sectors.
In 2005, the Chester County Workforce Investment Board, along with efforts of a number of key project partners, that include the Chester County Economic Development Council, PA Careerlink - Chester County, and the Chester County Department of Community Development, identified three targeted industry sectors as those with the greatest needs for staffing and workforce development: 1) Advanced Materials/Diversified Manufacturing, 2) Information and Communication Services, and 3) Life Sciences. The Partners have received funds to support Industry Partnerships and Incumbent Worker training programs. Many employers have been assisted through these programs, but the rapid growth and changing needs within these sectors continue to present challenges for employers.
Businesses of all sizes, within every sector, are experiencing difficulty with recruitment and retention of staff due to the high cost of housing, in relation to income, in Chester County.
Housing that is affordable to the workforce is critical to the local economy, and directly impacts the ability of employers to recruit and retain staff. Businesses, commercial establishments, schools districts, universities, and municipal governments employ workers at moderate-income levels who often cannot afford housing within the Chester County communities they serve. In particular, the retail sector, now the largest employment cluster in the county, employs a workforce that is best served by affordable housing located in close proximity to employment centers and public transit routes. These opportunities are extremely limited. Housing becomes more affordable in some neighboring counties, but energy costs may soon make it impractical for employees to commute from outlying areas.
The changing nature of manufacturing, now with requirements for specific environments and research and development processes, has created the need for ongoing training of incumbent workers, in order for businesses to remain competitive.
Businesses are not only challenged to fill positions in the changing manufacturing sector, but also to keep the skill sets of workers current. Many employers are generally not able to meet those training needs without assistance. Funding for services is limited and the need is growing.
Industry and Population Shifts | Deteriorating Infrastructure | Advancing Technology |
Land Development Limitations | Challenges for Agriculture | Workforce Development Issues |
Planning and Coordination
Printable version of ALL issues (PDF, 40 KB)