Lehigh Valley Talent Study and Strategic Action Plan

The Challenge

The Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation and the Lehigh Valley Workforce Investment Board in Pennsylvania wanted to evaluate the effectiveness of the strategic actions in their 2018 Lehigh Valley Talent Supply and Industry Sector Analysis and Strategic Action Plan. Given the recent COVID-19 pandemic, it was extremely important to determine the applicability of these strategic actions in the rapidly changing economic sphere. It also became critical to engage with employers across all sectors and within their targeted industries to understand current challenges and opportunities to workforce retention, attraction, and hiring.

The Solution

Camoin Associates and Emsi (now Lightcast) were hired to conduct a talent study and strategic action plan to provide clarity on these gaps. The consulting team conducted quantitative and qualitative data analysis for Lehigh Valley as it related to state and national trends, as well as other key metro areas that may be considered competition when looking to attract talent and business. In-depth skills data identified current gaps in talent supply and demand. With that, the consulting team was able to form strategies to mitigate gaps and prepared the Lehigh Valley for a successful future.

The Impact

Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation and the Lehigh Valley Workforce Investment Board received the talent study and strategic action plan at the end of 2021. Camoin Associates and Emsi provided them with the resources to carry out the recommended workforce initiatives, as well as an economic dashboard to track the progress of their workforce efforts into the future. The report can also serve as a media and/or informational resource for Lehigh Valley to promote its workforce initiatives.