LEHIGH VALLEY INDUSTRY CLUSTERS

For the Lehigh Valley to remain competitive in the global economy, we must connect workforce development to the demands of business and industry.  The direction we are taking is through industry clusters.

An industry cluster is a group of industries that are closely linked by common product markets, labor pools, similar technologies, supplier chains, and/or other economic ties.  By working with businesses within the industry clusters, we can combine training needs for multiple firms with similar skill needs and help drive a market-based approach to workforce development.

We are working to align education and training institutions with employer and employee needs.  Education, workforce, and economic development must be interconnected to ensure that workers have the skills businesses need to be competitive and have the ability to obtain education to compete for higher wage jobs and career advancement.

The Lehigh Valley is targeting for growth the following industry clusters:  Healthcare/Life Sciences, Advanced Materials Manufacturing, Technology, Business Services, Information and Communication, and Financial Services.