IMPLEMENTATION OF REGIONAL WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES ALREADY UNDERWAY

PITTSBURGH, July 8 -- In conjunction with the release today of the "Connecting Students and Workers to the Jobs of the Future" report prepared by the Regional Workforce Development Initiative Oversight Committee, Committee Chair Mark A. Nordenberg announced a number of actions that will begin to implement the report's recommendations.

The Rapid Software Training Pilot Program, a partnership between MASTECH, a global information technology services firm headquartered in Pittsburgh, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the Pittsburgh High Technology Council will begin its first class today. This program provides a rapid response mechanism to promote the reemployment of people threatened with job dislocation and seeking a career change in the information technology field. Along with MASTECH, UPMC & PNC are sponsoring employers. Employers or individuals interested in the program should call MASTECH. (For details, contact: Sushma Rajagopalan, Vice President, Global Resourcing, MASTECH, 412-787-2100 ext. 238 or Lauren Cotter, DCED Press Office, 717-783-1132.

Industry Action groups in Advanced Manufacturing and Information Technology are being formed. The Pittsburgh High Technology Council already has industry groups in place that can serve as the building blocks. The Advanced Manufacturing Network, which includes more than 200 of our leading manufacturers, works to create the nation's best support system for local manufacturing. The Software Business Forum links software manufacturers, service providers, university experts, and professional service firms into a cohesive support community that is rapidly growing. Over the next few months these two groups will formulate a plan to aggregate their industry's workforce needs, publicize their hiring requirements, and work with local training providers to create programs that meet industry needs. (For details, contact: Susan Maine, Advanced Manufacturing Network, 412-687-0200, ext. 280; Jay Douglass, Software Business Forum, 412-687-0200, ext. 274)

The Pittsburgh Regional Alliance will begin deployment of its 3-5 year Regional Marketing Initiative in September of this year. The initiative will include direct marketing efforts to retain and attract individuals with "Pittsburgh" connections. The PRA's efforts will initially focus on technology-experienced talent. The effort will be in conjunction with the Pittsburgh High Technology Council, as well as regional colleges and universities. (For details, contact: Tim Parks, President and CEO, Pittsburgh Regional Alliance, 412-392-1000)

Components of the necessary computer and database infrastructure are being developed. A list of training providers compiled through the Commission for Workforce Excellence's Working Book will be available on the Internet July 15. A Pennsylvania Labor Market Information Database, (PALMIDS), should be available on the Internet within the next few months. (For details, contact: Robin Rogers, Executive Director, Commission for Workforce Excellence, 412-281-2000; William J. Ceriani, Manager LMI Database/Automated Systems, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Bureau of Research and Statistics, 412-565-5350)

The region received funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for "One Stop" systems in Allegheny County/City of Pittsburgh, Westmoreland County, and Fayette County to coordinate the efforts of a number of different government funded programs to assist individuals in accessing training and in pursuing their job searches. (For details in Southwestern Pennsylvania, contact: Rob Rogers, Executive Director, Commission for Workforce Excellence, 412-281-2000 ext. 34. For details in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, contact: L & I Press Office Contact, Roger Baumgarten, 717-787-7530)

An employer consortium has been formed, headed by ADtranz, Port Authority, and other local firms. The consortium will focus on the selection and use of competency-based assessment tools to establish skill standards and the identification of common training needs. One of the most widely utilized competency-based assessment tools is the American College Testing's Work Keys job profiling system. The next meeting of the consortium will be held on July 16, 1998. Any interested firms should call one of the contacts listed here. (For details contact: Cindy Arcuri, Program Manager, Employee and Organizational Development, Port Authority, 412-237-7435 or Ralph De Costro, Manager, Human Resources and Development, ABB Daimler-Benz Transportation (North America) Inc., 412-655-6641)

The Working Together Consortium will pursue the implementation of these recommendations and will incorporate the recommendations and findings of this report in their ongoing monitoring of progress in implementing strategies to increase the region's competitiveness through efforts such as the RERI Index, Annual Progress Report and Annual and Mid-year meetings. (For details, contact: Rhonda Schuldt, Director, The Working Together Consortium, 412-281-1890)

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