Mixed Picture Emerges In Workforce Plan
There
are glimmers of hope, but also some red flags, in a recent forecast of
the region’s employment and economic picture. Rural Potter is one of
many Pennsylvania counties that are losing population – especially their
young people. Addressing these warning signs on a long-term basis is
the purpose of the Northcentral Pa. Regional Planning and Development
Commission’s “Workforce Investment Area Five-Year Plan.” It is a
mechanism to steer a myriad of federal, state and local government
resources in areas that help address the “brain drain” and downward
economic spiral the region. Services for employers, job training and
benefits for the unemployed are among the deliverables of the agencies
affected by the Northcentral plan, so its contents are important. Here
are some of the findings and forecasts:- Manufacturing jobs in the region have been declining and are expected to fall even more, from 17,084 at the most recent count to 15,778 by 2014.
- Population loss region-wide was four percent from 2000 to 2010, which makes it harder to meet costs demands for infrastructure, education and government services. Potter County’s population declined by 3.4 percent between 2000 and 2010, from 18,080 to 17,457. Most or all of the six counties will continue to lose population over the next five years. At the same time, there will be greater growth in two population groups (ages 0-17 and 65-plus) who create the greatest demand on services.
- Median age will continue to rise. By 2030, it will be 43.9 in Potter County. Statewide, the median age now stands at 40.1.
- Industrial and social trends suggest considerable job growth in oil and gas extraction jobs. More modest job growth is expected in finance/insurance; waste management; professional, scientific and technical services; real estate; recreation/entertainment; private educational services; construction; health care; transportation/warehousing; and wholesale trade.
- Steady decreases are expected manufacturing; the information sector, which includes media, communications, data processing and publishing; company management jobs; government; retail trade; agriculture and utilities.
5 comments:
With pure carbon cut backs, adelphia being bought out, level 3 and truck lite layoffs its no wonder that people are leaving.
I tell every young person old enough to leave this area! There is nothing more exciting then it is to see what's beyond these hills.
Join the service see the world... get out of this bubble. Usually the only ones that stay are leaches that what everything for free.. Not All but a lot!
I have seen a steady down hill trend for 40 years. No one (local government)is or has been doing anything for years to bring business people to this area. All anybody thinks is tourism. Well you need more than that!
What till they force Cap & Trade down our throats. This area will be a ghost land. Jobs will all go to the big cities.
I wish 6:41 would follow his own advice. People who have given up on the community should do themselves and the rest of us a favor.
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