How do you plan for the future with change on the horizon? Berks County’s Workforce Development Board has rolled out a new plan to help guide decision-making through 2030. This look-ahead looks at existing data to project future workforce trends.
Workforce 2030
During Spotlight PA’s February Community Forum, Amber Columbo, Director of the Berks County Workforce Development Board, shared the takeaways from the Workforce 2030 Plan. The areas focused on were
- Manufacturing and health care are the largest employment sectors in Berks. Other key industry sectors are construction, agriculture, and educational services.
- Berks County experienced unemployment rates of below 4% from 2019 to 2025, but the size of the labor force has dipped slightly since its peak in 2019, creating hiring challenges for employers.
- Nearly 50% of Berks County residents who are employed work outside of the county.
- The size of the county’s prime-age workforce (ages 25-64) is expected to remain relatively stable through 2035, with only modest growth anticipated.
- Employment in Berks County is challenged by barriers including low educational attainment, limited English proficiency, lack of transportation, insufficient affordable child care, a large population of individuals with involvement in the criminal justice system, and lack of affordable housing.
- More workers with associate degrees and technical credentials are needed to meet the needs of Berks County employers.
While Columbo acknowledged workforce challenges for the county, she also cited opportunities and recommendations for moving forward.
The Workforce Development Board plans to maximize meetings with representatives from area school districts, the Berks County Intermediate Unit, and colleges and universities to discuss how to best educate students to prepare for jobs and build partnerships between local educators and employers.
She noted efforts throughout the county to provide education to English learners with the goal of helping them become proficient in speaking, reading, and writing in that language.
“People are working hard to prepare employees in this area,” Columbo said. “Some employers are providing English classes in the workplace.”
Area organizations also are working to address the need for affordable housing, transportation to jobs, and more accessible child care.
Columbo praised the efforts of all involved while stressing the need for communication and cooperation. “The Workforce Development Board can’t solve these problems on our own,” she said. “We need to bring everyone to the table for conversations about how to move forward.”
—Susan Shelly McGovern for Spotlight PA