This EDA investment supports project pivot which is a unique, collaborative approach, providing accelerated workforce training and upskill opportunities for displaced workers, that align with the…

The Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration awarded a $399,000 Project Grant under the Economic Adjustment Assistance program (CFDA 11.307) on August 9, 2021 to support Project Pivot. Project Pivot is a collaborative workforce development initiative led by The Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Commerce and Industry that will provide accelerated training and upskilling opportunities for workers displaced by the COVID-19 pandemic in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. The grant will fund a two-phase approach, with the first phase involving workforce analysis led by The Institute to identify in-demand occupations across impacted industries. The second implementation phase, led by The Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber, will then deliver customized, accelerated training courses developed alongside private sector partners to meet the post-pandemic industry needs identified during planning.

This EDA investment supports project pivot which is a unique, collaborative approach, providing accelerated workforce training and upskill opportunities for displaced workers, that align with the historic and seismic industry shifts caused by the covid-19 pandemic. Pivot relies upon a two-part process: planning and implementation. The planning will be led by the institute and deliver a real-time analysis of displaced workers and new-found high priority occupations by industry. The implementation phase will be led by the greater wilkes-barre chamber, and deliver customized and accelerated training and upskill courses, created in partnership with the private sector, that meet post-covid industry demands identified during the planning phase.