Study: Advanced training center needed

The Lebanon Valley Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday released findings from a year-long study conducted by Hanover Research to determine the needs of an advanced training center to meet current and future occupational training for Lebanon County’s growing population.

The study was conducted in three phases:

● Phase I: Hanover collected demographic, education attainment and labor market data on Lebanon County and the surrounding area as well as information on adult education programs currently available in the area. Hanover determined that there is a significant target population for an advanced training center, currently underserved by the current skills training opportunities in the county. This phase was completed in March 2023.

● Phase II: Hanover conducted qualitative interviews with Lebanon County employers sourced by the chamber, from a mix of companies in target industries. Hanover identified themes hiring challenges for employers and confirmed a strong appetite for a local training center and the curricula it should offer. This phase was completed in July of 2023.

● Phase III: Hanover analyzed the curricula and programs at other training centers in Pennsylvania and conducted interviews with leaders at the Lebanon County Career and Technology Center and Harrisburg Area Community College. Hanover identified how other training centers develop their programs, partner with local businesses and educational institutions and different ways they fund their programs. They also confirmed that partnerships with local business were critical in delivering vocational curricula and increasing students’ readiness to participate in the workforce. This phase was completed in November 2023.

The chamber received two grants for the study totaling $79,000. The study cost $75,000.

A full presentation on the report will be given in a public meeting on Feb. 21 from 9:30 a.m. until 11 a.m. at the Lebanon Valley Chamber of Commerce, located at 989 Quentin Rd.

Registration for the event, as well as a full copy of the report, can be found