Laurel Highlands Workforce and Opportunity Center: Preparing Pennsylvania’s Future Workforce
Latrobe Bulletin • November 2024
The Laurel Highlands Workforce and Opportunity Center (LHWOC), based in Hempfield Township, Pennsylvania, has emerged as a beacon of hope for under- and unemployed individuals in Westmoreland County. Founded in 2019, LHWOC aims to dismantle barriers to employment while equipping residents with the skills necessary to thrive in today’s competitive job market.
The center offers tuition-free medical training programs that address the growing skills gap faced by local healthcare employers. The flagship Clinical Medical Assistant (CMA) program launched its first cohort in July 2022, and the graduates received their diplomas in February 2023. As LHWOC prepares to commence its fifth cohort in January 2025, it is close to achieving a significant milestone: instilling healthcare-related skills in an aspiring workforce.
LHWOC serves residents of Pennsylvania, particularly those with a high school diploma or GED equivalent. Tuition for its programs is fully funded by state grants, foundations, and individual donors, reflecting the organization’s commitment to inclusivity. The programs not only cover tuition but also provide support services like subsidized childcare, transportation assistance, and behavioral health counseling, acknowledging the multifaceted barriers many of their students face.
LHWOC is currently gearing up to introduce a new three-month Patient Service Associates program, slated to launch in 2025. Designed to build on the success of the CMA program, this new venture will further prepare participants for essential roles within the healthcare industry.
The success stories from LHWOC are numerous and uplifting. One highlight was the recent field trip to a cadaver lab at St. Vincent College, where students were granted invaluable hands-on experience and direct interaction with life-sized models of human anatomy. This unique learning opportunity is an essential aspect of their training, allowing students to deepen their understanding of complex medical concepts.
In addition to job-specific training, LHWOC offers vital job search assistance to graduates. The center hosts resume writing workshops, interview preparation sessions, and one-on-one career counseling to help individuals effectively enter the job market. This holistic approach ensures that students not only acquire medical knowledge but also learn how to market their skills to prospective employers.
The organization’s commitment to fostering local economic growth is unwavering. By connecting graduates with externship opportunities in partnership with major healthcare employers like Independence Health System, LHWOC bridges the gap between job seekers and local businesses, creating a win-win scenario for both parties. The result is a skilled workforce ready to meet the growing needs of the region’s healthcare system, enhancing the quality of care for all residents in Westmoreland County.
Recognition of their efforts in diversity, equity, and inclusion is a key pillar of LHWOC’s identity. The center emphasizes creating an enriching learning environment where every student feels valued and heard. LHWOC proudly serves as a participant in the Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee, ensuring that their commitment remains at the forefront of their mission.
While LHWOC has made substantial progress, challenges remain. The ongoing need for financial support is critical to maintaining and expanding their programs. Volunteers are essential to LHWOC’s operations, and the organization is currently looking for individuals to help with event planning, fundraising efforts, and providing guest speaker sessions that can enrich the educational experience for students. Even small commitments of time can have a profound impact.
To support LHWOC, community members are encouraged to donate financially or in-kind, contribute expertise, or share information about the center’s programs. One of the best ways to do this is by referring individuals to the program who may not know there is an opportunity there.
For anyone interested in supporting the Laurel Highlands Workforce and Opportunity Center, contact details are as follows: call 724-237-4448, visit their website at www.lhwoc.org, or connect on their social media channels.
LHWOC represents a valuable resource for not just job seekers but also local employers seeking a skilled workforce. With continued community engagement and support, the organization aims to expand its impact and foster economic growth in Westmoreland County for years to come.