Colleges working to provide businesses with in-demand jobs

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MECHANICSBURG, Pa. (WHTM) – – Local colleges and universities are working together with businesses, bringing attention to new programs that target jobs that are in high-demand.

“There’s a lot of programs that educational institutions are putting in place that the employers are not aware of,” said Laura Potthoff, Director of Business and Workforce, Cumberland Area Economic Development.

“It’s become so competitive that we need to partner with those very individuals that are training those folks so that we can then provide them with the experience the environment where they can see what they would really like to do and then hone their educational experience around that,” said Christian Caicedo, Senior Vice-President, UPMC Pinnacle.

Katie Sechrist, a senior Nursing major at Messiah College says thanks to the programs offered, she has been able to work first-hand in the field.

“Throughout the course were constantly interacting with actual nurses that are in the area that could be potential employers,” said Sechrist.

“We’ve added occupational therapy in the process of adding physical therapy looking at public health as well and also athletic training nutrition and dietetics,” said Kim Phipps, President of Messiah College.

Harrisburg Area Community College says many of their degrees were founded and created by employers that are in need to fill positions. Out of 18,000 credit students, 1/3 of them are going to school for health care.

Central Penn College announced they are introducing a Phlebotomy certification as well.

“Having conversations about workforce is something every kind of college and university needs to be actively involved in because we are preparing the next workforce,” said Phipps.

Colleges and universities hope to hold more events like this one with local businesses.