One of the top concerns from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia is ensuring that our economy is well supported and continuing to grow, especially with the uncertainty of a recession looming. There is much that policymakers can do to add stability and provide opportunity for our communities. It is vital to recognize the essential role that technology plays in the workforce.
Technology is involved in nearly every occupation, playing a large and growing role in our lives. Most of us are immersed in technology daily. Yet these science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) occupations greatly lack workforce diversity, with significant underrepresentation by gender, race and geographic location.
As a recipient of a PA Smart Award from the Pennsylvania Department of Education, the Partnership for Career Development (PCD) has identified and worked to fill gaps in STEM career awareness and preparation efforts in the mid-state. PCD’s new STEM for Girls event introduces high school-level girls to in-demand occupations, including technology jobs.
Research from the RAND Corp. and the Society for Human Resource Management recognizes that “middle skills” tech jobs — those requiring more than a high school diploma but less than a four-year college degree — are in particularly high demand. Currently, access to career awareness and preparation activities, resources and funding to promote and further this essential demand is inconsistent and inequitable across Pennsylvania.
Supporting current, emerging and anticipated technology professions by supporting career awareness and preparation is paramount to our future workforce.
Lynda Sims-Morris
Enola
The writer is president and CEO of the Partnership for Career Development (pcd.caiu.org/).