HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS Job training that allows Pennsylvania companies and their workers to perform and compete at a higher level

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Juliana Tate
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MILLION MILESTONE In 1999, the WEDnetPA job training program was created and made available to Pennsylvania businesses and employees as a means to keep Pennsylvania companies and in turn, the

2 MILLION MILESTONE In 1999, the WEDnetPA job training program was created and made available to Pennsylvania businesses and employees as a means to keep Pennsylvania companies and in turn, the Commonwealth competitive and successful in the modern marketplace. At the time, it was a pioneer program; the first one of its kind a Commonwealth-funded workforce training program established through a unique collaboration between state government, educational providers and private industry. There were many uncertainties to be addressed, but the Commonwealth committed itself to moving the program forward. Everyone involved hoped WEDnetPA would achieve a level of success worthy of its intentions. Today, the program has been in existence for 14 rewarding years. It has grown to become the primary delivery system for Pennsylvania s incumbent workforce training. We ve already trained our 1,000,000 th worker here in Pennsylvania. More than 17,000 companies across the Commonwealth have used this training to their advantage. 1,000,000 workers is quite a milestone; one that s even more impressive when you consider the truer, collective impact that these 1,000,000 workers have had on every Pennsylvanian. 1,000,000 families whose household wages increased. 1,000,000 trained workers who helped businesses expand hire more workers and contribute more tax revenue. 1,000,000 workers in a better-trained workforce that attracted companies to relocate to Pennsylvania. The program s impact is indeed as far-reaching as expected. In so many ways, the WEDnetPA program has been successful and continues to adapt itself to meet the demands of Pennsylvania s businesses. By doing so, it ensures that this million milestone is the first of many more for WEDnetPA training in Pennsylvania.

HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS Job training that allows Pennsylvania companies and their workers to perform and compete at a higher level WEDnetPA provides qualified employers with training for new and

3 HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS Job training that allows Pennsylvania companies and their workers to perform and compete at a higher level WEDnetPA provides qualified employers with training for new and existing employees. The training allows companies to stay competitive while keeping employee skills current and relevant. Eligible in-state businesses and out-of-state companies relocating to Pennsylvania apply to WEDnetPA to access funding. The funding, in turn, can be used for a wide range of training categorized as either Basic Skills Training or Information Technology Training. Basic Skills Training provides instruction in a variety of basic and entry-level skills needed to be successful in the workplace, including training in the areas of Business Operations, Computers, Quality Assurance, and Workplace Health and Safety. Information Technology Training provides instruction in a variety of information technology and advanced applied manufacturing subjects, such as Computer Programming, E-Business/Commerce, Network Administration and Software Engineering. Training can be provided offsite, onsite at the business, or online. In order to qualify for any training, however, a company must meet a set of specific eligibility requirements. (Please visit for details.) Once a company is determined to be eligible, it may apply online and select any WEDnetPA partner (see back page). WEDNETPA TRAINING: Employer-Driven Choice The WEDnetPA training program was created to empower Pennsylvania companies by developing the skills of their employees. To best accomplish this, the program gives employers total freedom to seek out the training that is best-suited for their workers specific needs. Employers have the choice of obtaining training from One of the WEDnetPA partners across Pennsylvania A third-party provider The company s own in-house staff Third-party training has been the most popular option with employers to date, with more than 8,500 private-sector providers chosen and utilized by Pennsylvania businesses.

WEDNETPA HAS STRENGTHENED PENNSYLVANIA S WORKFORCE AND BUSINESSES, AND IN TURN, STRENGTHENED PENNSYLVANIA S ECONOMY COMPANIES HAVE BENEFITED IMMENSELY FROM WEDNETPA TRAINING According to recent

4 WEDNETPA HAS STRENGTHENED PENNSYLVANIA S WORKFORCE AND BUSINESSES, AND IN TURN, STRENGTHENED PENNSYLVANIA S ECONOMY COMPANIES HAVE BENEFITED IMMENSELY FROM WEDNETPA TRAINING According to recent surveys of companies who took advantage of the WEDnetPA training program More than 95% say the assistance they receive from WEDnetPA s training program has a positive or major impact on their business More than 80% say training plays an important role in the growth of their business 70% have trouble finding or retaining skilled employees and, of these, almost 90% say training helps address the issue 70% see an increase in their business volume after receiving the training. In fact, 20% see more than a 10% increase in business 99% would use the program again and would recommend it to other companies EMPLOYEES BENEFIT AS WELL According to a review by the Commonwealth s Center for Workforce Information and Analysis Employees who receive WEDnetPA training realize an average wage increase of 10% within the first year after receiving training The retention rate for employees who receive WEDnetPA training is over 85% 98% of participants report positive outcomes as a result of the training including: Improved communication and teamwork Increased morale A safer workplace with fewer accidents Job promotions Pay raises

Small businesses take advantage of WEDnetPA training 30% of training funds have gone to companies with less than 100 employees and 60% have been awarded to companies who employ no more than 250

5 Small businesses take advantage of WEDnetPA training 30% of training funds have gone to companies with less than 100 employees and 60% have been awarded to companies who employ no more than 250 workers. WEDnetPA.com 90% OF TRAINING IS DELIVERED TO BUSINESSES IN PENNSYLVANIA S TARGETED INDUSTRY CLUSTERS The Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry has identified targeted industry clusters that are key to the Commonwealth s economic success. An industry cluster consists of a group of industries that are closely linked by common product markets, labor pools, similar technologies, supplier chains, and/or other economic ties. Clusters can take on strategic importance because activities that benefit one group member will generally have positive spillover effects on other members of the cluster. By investing 90% of its funding in these important clusters, WEDnetPA targets its limited training resources on those industries where it can have the greatest impact. Industries that receive WEDnetPA training include: Advanced Materials and Diversified Manufacturing Agriculture and Food Production Bio-Medical Building and Construction Business and Financial Services Energy Health Care Information and Communication Services Logistics and Transportation Lumber, Wood and Paper WEDnetPA maximizes funds WEDnetPA is an efficiently run program and funds earmarked for its training leverage a significant match from participating companies. Approximately 90% of funds go directly to the cost of company training. In addition, for every training dollar awarded by the WEDnetPA program, $4 of investment is generated from participating companies.

A COORDINATED STATEWIDE NETWORK OF WEDNETPA PARTNERS HELPS EMPLOYERS FIND THE TRAINING BEST-SUITED FOR THEIR NEEDS 1. Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Bloomsburg, PA 570-389-4004 bloomu@wednetpa.

6 A COORDINATED STATEWIDE NETWORK OF WEDNETPA PARTNERS HELPS EMPLOYERS FIND THE TRAINING BEST-SUITED FOR THEIR NEEDS 1. Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Bloomsburg, PA Bucks County Community College Newtown, PA Butler County Community College Butler, PA , ext Cheyney University of Pennsylvania Cheyney, PA Clarion University of Pennsylvania Oil City, PA Community College of Allegheny County Oakdale, PA Community College of Beaver County Canonsburg, PA Community College of Philadelphia Philadelphia, PA Delaware County Community College Downingtown, PA East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania East Stroudsburg, PA Edinboro University of Pennsylvania Erie, PA Greater Altoona Career and Technology Center Altoona, PA Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg, PA Indiana University of Pennsylvania Indiana, PA Kutztown University of Pennsylvania Kutztown, PA Lancaster County Career and Technology Center Mt. Joy, PA , ext Lehigh Carbon Community College Allentown, PA Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania Lock Haven, PA Luzerne County Community College Nanticoke, PA , ext luzerne@wednetpa.com 20. Millersville University of Pennsylvania Millersville, PA millersville@wednetpa.com 21. Montgomery County Community College Blue Bell, PA montgomery@wednetpa.com 22. North Central Pennsylvania Regional Planning & Development Commission Ridgway, PA ncentral@wednetpa.com 23. Northampton Community College Bethlehem, PA northampton@wednetpa.com 24. Pennsylvania College of Technology Williamsport, PA , ext pct@wednetpa.com 25. Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Johnstown, PA pennhighlands@wednetpa.com 26. Reading Area Community College Reading, PA , ext reading@wednetpa.com 27. Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania Shippensburg, PA , ext shippensburg@wednetpa.com 28. University of Pittsburgh at Bradford Bradford, PA pitt@wednetpa.com 29. West Chester University of Pennsylvania West Chester, PA wcup@wednetpa.com 30. Westmoreland County Community College Youngwood, PA westmoreland@wednetpa.com Managed by: Funded by: Toll free: WEDNETPA ( ) wednetpa@pct.edu Olde Liberty Square 4807 Jonestown Road, Suite 246 Harrisburg, PA WEDnetPA.com 2/13 3M

INSTITUTION INFORMATION

INSTITUTION INFORMATION Albright College Private College and University Reading Allegheny College Private College and University Meadville Alvernia University Private College and University Reading American College Private College