In conducting business retention and expansion interviews, Greater Reading Economic Partnership (GREP) was able to key in on some specific needs for existing Greater Reading companies. In 2009 and 2010, out of 96 company interviews, 47% identified lack of skills and more specifically, 26% identified lack of technical skills as a current workforce challenge. As the lead economic development organization for the Greater Reading community, GREP initiated a career and technology school campaign; “Careers in 2 Years.” GREP developed the Careers in 2 Years initiative based upon the knowledge that a readily available skilled workforce is an incredible economic development driver in terms of retaining and growing existing Greater Reading companies and attracting new ones. This campaign targets middle and high school aged students and their parents to consider career and technology school as a viable option for their future. They can work towards a well-paying, highly employable career in approximately two years. The campaign focuses on careers in welding, mechatronics, carpentry, robotics, machining, CAD and drafting. Phase two of the campaign will focus on business management, IT and healthcare training.

1. High-Paying Careers
In Two Years
Options for Post-Secondary
Education
or Technical Training in
Career & Technology

2. Why is this campaign important?
Today, it’s increasingly vital to have an
education beyond high school
Post-secondary education or technical
training brings endless possibilities and
opportunities

3. Fact:
The unemployment rate for those with
post-secondary education or technical
training is only 4.6%; those with only a
high school diploma is nearly 10%

4. Fact:
24 of the 30 fastest-growing occupations
require education beyond high school—
including those with technical training
certifications
(Source: Bureau of Labor & Statistics)

5. Fact:
In a 2011 survey 44% of PA
manufacturers have open jobs due to a
mismatch between the skills that job
seekers have and those required by the
job the company has open

6. Fact:
By 2018, 47 million job openings are
projected and one-third of them will
require an associates degree or
certificate (Source: Harvard experts)

7. Fact:
Business retention interviews with 96
Greater Reading companies:
•47% identified the lack of necessary
skill sets
•26% identified the lack of technical
skills as their hiring challenges

8. Berks Technical Academy
Collaboration:
•Reading Area Community College
•Berks Career & Technology Center
•Reading Muhlenberg Career &
Technology Center.

9. Income Potential
Electrical and Electronic Repairs: $55,870
HVAC Mechanics and Installers:$47,700
Industrial Machinery Mechanics: $44,640
Metal Fabricators: $38,400
Machinists: $34,780
Welders: $40,000
Power Plant Operators: $63,070

10. High School Students
Attending career & technology education
before graduating high school gives
students an extra edge.
They can earn college credits for FREE!

12. Engaging the Parents

13. It’s not just for High School students
AND it’s never too late to begin a
career.
In as little as two years, a technical education
can be affordable and offer a hands-on
learning environment
It can result in steady employment and
advanced earning potential
Brought to you by Greater Reading Economic Partnership

14. How can you support this campaign?
TELL EVERYONE!

15. CAREERSIN2YEARS.com