The PA Chamber convened a roundtable discussion last week at Orleans Technical Institute in Northeast Philadelphia, bringing together bipartisan lawmakers, employers, and community organizations to discuss opportunities and challenges for the region’s business community, including how to better align Pennsylvania’s workforce with the jobs available.

Lawmakers in attendance included Sen. Joe Picozzi and Reps. Martina White, Jared Solomon, Ed Neilson, Pat Gallagher, and Sean Dougherty. They joined representatives from the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia, the Far Northeast Small Business Alliance, the Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and the Asian American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Philadelphia, along with employers from key regional industries.

A central theme was the need to expand career and technical education (CTE) opportunities. Business leaders noted there are far more openings in the trades than there are students being trained to fill them. Rep. Neilson called for more flexibility so students can take technical courses while still enrolled in traditional high school programs. Rep. White pointed to an initiative that would provide grants to cover driver’s education costs, helping students more easily travel to career and technical schools.

Representatives from SEPTA noted that they rely on local CTE providers like Father Judge High School and employment services providers like JEVS to source their skilled workforce. A local aircraft manufacturer shared that unexpected tariff costs have forced a hiring freeze. A small business owner serving children with disabilities also described how the ongoing state budget impasse has disrupted the state funding he relies on to operate his business and pay his employees.

Energy costs also featured into the discussion, with lawmakers noting rising utility prices and emphasizing the importance of tapping all available resources. Neilson highlighted the role of natural gas in keeping costs stable, while Picozzi and White discussed the “Solar for Schools” program, which recently brought funding for rooftop solar arrays to the Community College of Philadelphia’s Northeast campus.

These in-district roundtable discussions are part of the PA Chamber’s broader effort to create meaningful, localized conversations between employers and the elected leaders who represent them in Harrisburg. By bringing together the business community, policymakers, and regional partners in a small-group, solution-focused setting, the PA Chamber aims to help foster dialogue that informs policy decisions and strengthens relationships at every level.

The Philadelphia event marked the latest in a statewide series of workforce roundtables. More sessions are planned in the months ahead as the PA Chamber continues its work to identify practical solutions to improve Pennsylvania’s business climate and mitigate workforce challenges.