Behind every smart workforce solution, there’s reliable data, and at Philadelphia Works, reliable data powers our workforce investment strategy. Our research and data team keep their shoulder to the wheel to deliver quality data analysis and timely labor market insight reports that support our continuous implementation of innovative workforce solutions in the Greater Philadelphia Region.

Currently, our data-backed workforce investment strategy prioritizes Recovery Occupations. These occupations are characterized by:

• High employer demand

• Promise of future growth

• Paying livable wages

• Accessible to workers with diverse educational and employment backgrounds

Our data and labor market insight reports also help businesses make informed decisions around sustainability and growth and individuals take the next step on their career paths.

I encourage you to take the time to explore this newsletter and gain insight into our workforce landscape and public information that we offer about labor market trends, high-priority occupations, and more by visiting https://philaworks.org/data-and-trends/.

Yours in service,

H. Patrick Clancy 

Philadelphia Works’ Research Analyst Sam Fraley joins the program to define the phenomenon of the benefits cliff, a public policy dynamic that keeps individuals trapped in poverty when small increases in household income lead to larger losses in public benefits. Sam reveals the efforts underway to gather local data about the benefits cliff and discusses a new interactive dashboard that Philadelphia Works is creating that will highlight the benefits cliff. He also discusses how researching this topic can lead to positive change.

Links referenced in the episode:

• Cincinnati Foundation research on "The Cliff Effect"
• University of Washington Self-Sufficiency Standard

Listen to the Episode Here

The Current Labor Market Conditions dashboard provides the most up-to-date, high-level look at Philadelphia’s labor market. State, federal, and private data sources help us understand how our local economy and workforce are performing over time.

The dashboard highlights overall employment estimates, labor market demand, job postings by industry, etc.

Explore Workforce Data and Trends

Understanding our region’s labor market helps businesses and training providers make informed decisions about growth strategies, hiring, and locations.

Mapping Population Characteristics is a public resource that provides details on economic and demographic characteristics in Philadelphia. Users can interact with a map of Philadelphia by selecting data points via zooming, hover-over pop-ups, etc. This mapping tool offers ongoing analytics that can be updated over time.

Data is pulled from a variety of sources and combine to provide meaningful insights.

Get Started Here

WorkReady offers summer and school-year experiences for youth to prepare for careers through opportunities for awareness, skill building, and paid work experience. As we continue to build our future talent pipeline, it's crucial that we support early career preparation to put our region's young talent on the right track for a successful career.

Businesses of any size and industry can participate. Each year, Philadelphia Works participates in the program by hiring a young person, providing them with access to meaningful paid work experiences that promote self-efficacy and build the transferable skills required for young talent to secure and sustain employment.



Learn How to Invest in Young People

Philly WINS (Workforce Inclusion Network) makes career support inclusive by addressing the real needs of job seekers who face various challenges to employment. The program supports access to career opportunities and well-paid jobs.

Learn More Here

Focusing on restaurants, hotels, leisure, and entertainment businesses, the Next Generation Hospitality & Entertainment Industry Partnership supports workforce initiatives by offering training solutions, employee development, networking opportunities, and recruitment strategies for employers in Philadelphia.

On April 20, 2023, the first in-person meeting since the pandemic was facilitated. Attendees included current and prospective members. There was a focus on building the industry partnership, information on what’s happening in the hospitality industry, challenges and opportunities, how to tap into the talents of youth engaged in hospitality, and more.

Change the Future of the Hospitality and Entertainment Industry

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