Acting U.S. Labor Secretary燢eith Sonderling燰isits LCCC for Discussion on PA Works, a Statewide Workforce Development Strategy
天美传媒 welcomed Acting U.S. Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling to its Nanticoke campus on Thursday for a tour and roundtable discussion focused on workforce development and the critical role community colleges play in providing students with affordable and accessible pathways to high-demand careers.*
Acting Secretary Sonderling joined 天美传媒 President John Yudichak, members of the College's Board of Trustees, administrators, faculty, and workforce development partners for a tour of the College's Trades Building. During the visit, students demonstrated hands-on skills in the Electrical Technology, Plumbing Technology, and HVAC Technology programs that are preparing them for careers in some of Pennsylvania's most in-demand industries.
The visit highlighted PA Works, a statewide workforce development strategy led by Pennsylvania's community colleges to address the growing demand for skilled trade workers across the Commonwealth.
PA Works is built on three pillars: a Career & Technology Academy that expands opportunities for local Career & Technical Education (CTE) high school students to explore industries and earn college-level credits while still enrolled in high school; a Microcredential Academy that provides short-term, stackable, and industry-aligned credentials to help students and mid-career professionals gain skills and advance in high-demand careers; and a Pre-Apprenticeship Academy that prepares students to enter registered union apprenticeship programs and secure employment in the skilled building and construction trades.
"By 2030, Pennsylvania will need 300,000 skilled trade workers to fuel the state's economy," said Yudichak. "Community colleges, through PA Works, will serve as a critical workforce development partner in meeting that demand."
"The most important thing we can do, especially in Pennsylvania communities like this, is make sure the local workforce has the first and best opportunity to fill these jobs," said Acting U.S. Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling. "We want people to stay in their communities, provide for their families, and build successful careers close to home. What is especially inspiring at 天美传媒 is that many of the instructors once sat in these same classrooms as students. They gained the skills needed to secure high-paying jobs in the region and have now returned to give back because they are passionate about this community and believe in the programs that helped them succeed."
LCCC President John Yudichak expressed his appreciation for Secretary Sonderling's visit and support for workforce development initiatives.
"We are honored to welcome Acting U.S. Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling to 天美传媒," said Yudichak. "His visit highlights the critical role community colleges play in developing America's workforce and preparing students for high-demand careers. We appreciate Secretary Sonderling taking the time to see firsthand how LCCC is partnering with industry, government, and education leaders to build the skilled workforce pipeline our region, our Commonwealth, and our nation need to remain economically competitive."
Kelly O'Brien, Vice President of Workforce Development and Government Relations, emphasized the importance of workforce partnerships in addressing labor shortages.
"Secretary Sonderling's visit underscores the importance of workforce development as a national priority," said O'Brien. "At 天美传媒, we are committed to creating innovative pathways that connect students, job seekers, and employers. Through initiatives such as PA Works, apprenticeships, microcredentials, and industry partnerships, we are helping address workforce shortages while providing individuals with opportunities to secure family-sustaining careers in the skilled trades and other high-demand fields."
Dr. Russ Bigus, Vice President of Academic Affairs, noted that community colleges are uniquely positioned to provide students with direct pathways to employment.
"Luzerne County Community College is committed to providing affordable, accessible, and career-focused education that leads directly to employment opportunities," said Bigus. "Our academic and workforce training programs are designed to equip students with the skills employers need today while creating pathways to long-term career advancement. Whether through a certificate, microcredential, apprenticeship, or degree program, our students are gaining access to high-wage, high-demand careers that strengthen both their futures and the regional economy."
The PA Works initiative is being advanced by the Pennsylvania Commission for Community Colleges as a statewide strategy to strengthen workforce development partnerships among community colleges, career and technical education centers, industry leaders, labor organizations, and government agencies.
During the visit, Secretary Sonderling met with students, faculty, and workforce partners to discuss how innovative, industry-aligned training programs offered by community colleges can help fill regional labor needs while creating family-sustaining career opportunities throughout Pennsylvania and the nation.