Connecting To Regional Career Opportunties
Whether entering the workforce for the first time or pursuing opportunities for advancement, individuals need a clear understanding of the career pathways available to them.
Employers are the clearest voices in communicating career pathways, opportunities, and the skills needed to succeed.
Career Success is Rarely a Linear Process
A college student may choose a major and ultimately build a career in an entirely different field, while an entry-level employee may progress into leadership roles they never initially envisioned. These transitions demonstrate that careers are not linear. When individuals understand the diverse pathways available within an industry or company, they can better recognize opportunities for growth and advancement. When employers clearly articulate those pathways, they can identify talent and ambition earlier, strengthen recruiting, and improve retention.
According to the National League of Cities and the Southern Regional Technical Training Consortium, creating visibility into multiple career pathways helps individuals understand the full range of opportunities available to them, including traditional degree-based careers, skilled trades, apprenticeships, certifications, military service, entrepreneurship, and advancement pathways within organizations.
Key Objectives
CRL! will engage employers, educators, and workforce organizations as active partners in framing multiple career pathways available in Lancaster County, providing information that can help individuals connect their skills, interests, and experiences to future opportunities.
Illuminate Earn-and-Learn models
Expand awareness of earn-and-learn pathways that combine education, hands-on experience, and wages, including apprenticeships, to help individuals build careers without pausing their education or employment
Identify industry-recognized credentials that provide accessible on-ramps to in-demand careers.
Validate identified credentials with employers to confirm their relevance, market value, and connection to employment opportunities. Encourage employers to integrate validated credentials into their recruiting, hiring, and career advancement practices.
Use labor market information to connect individuals with high-demand occupations and emerging industries.
Provide clear career maps that show multiple entry points and advancement opportunities. Analyze labor market data to identify high-demand career pathways and the skills employers need, then use those insights to align education, credentials, and job opportunities.
Career Pathways in Action
TIDE Program: MASCPA
The project will stand up a sustained defense-focused workforce and training ecosystem that stretches across the region.
Lab Ready
Open to individuals with a high school diploma or equivalent, the program delivers practical experience and real world skills to prepare people for success in well paying lab technician roles.
Team & Advisors
Valerie Hatfield
Director of Workforce and Economic Development
Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology
John Bridgen
President Precision Cobotics
Co-Founder Robotic Worx
John Haugherty, PhD
Associate Professor & Program Coordinator, Automation & Robotics Engineering Technology, Millersville University of Pennsylvania
Co-Founder Robotic Worx
W. Henry Yaeger
Founder
Lab Ready Workforce
Quentin Moore
TIDE Program Coordinator
Manufacturers' Association
Dr. Susan Wienand
Work-Based Learning and Outreach Coordinator
Lancaster County Career & Technology Center
Community Partners and Beneficiaries
Finalized content will be distributed through CRL! employer networks and communication channels and will benefit employers, workforce development professionals, educational institutions, community organizations, and industry stakeholders seeking to strengthen talent pipelines and expand workforce opportunities.
Become The Solution
Together, we can strengthen Lancaster County’s workforce and create meaningful career opportunities for everyone. Join the work or make a donation to help build a stronger future for our community.