Event Details

This session will be held at the

Schmidt Training & Technology Center at RACC

Strategic Workforce Development: Technology, Training & Talent

This event highlights how investing in technical training is not just an educational priority, but a smart business strategy. Hiring untrained employees is costly. Turnover, onboarding inefficiencies, and skill mismatches drain time and resources. By contrast, organizations that invest in training and upskilling their workforce benefit from lower hiring costs, higher productivity, and increased employee retention. When employers "skill their own", they cultivate committed employees who understand the organization, the work, and the long-term career opportunities available to them.

The program begins with Terri Melcher, Vice President of Workforce and Continuing Education, who will begin with the Schmidt history including this being our 20th year in business. She will speak on the importance of workforce training partnerships and how education, industry, and HR leaders can collaborate to create talent pipelines that meet today's demands while preparing for tomorrow's challenges. She will also share some of our business-critical skills and how they can benefit your company.

Next, David Lerch, Workforce Project Manager, will provide an overview of WEDnetPA funding, highlighting how employers can leverage this state-supported program to offset training costs.  As a proud WEDnetPA partner, the Schmidt Training and Technology Center works closely wit businesses to deliver eligible training that strengthens employee skills while protecting the bottom line.  David will also discuss our wastewater training programs which support essential infrastructure careers and address critical workforce shortages. 

The event concludes with Judy Vecchio, Director of Training and Workforce Development. Judy will showcase the center's technical training programs and demonstrate how they help companies develop long-term employees through apprenticeships, customized training, and other pathways models. Judy will share examples of how structured training leads to employee loyalty, advancement, and measurable return on investment.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to tour the labs and see first-hand how hands-on training environments support skill development, safety, and workforce readiness. This event reinforces a powerful message: Training is an investment, not an expense, and building skills internally is key to retaining committed, capable employees.

Following this presentation, attendees will be able to:

• Describe how STTC training supports employee retention and workforce growth
• Identify workforce skill gaps that can be addressed through targeted development programs
• Explain how technology enhanced training improves employee performance
• Recognize strategies for building strong talent pipelines through partnerships and upskilling
• Apply workforce development best practices to meet organizational and industry needs

Cost to participate is $23.00 for Berks Chapter Members and $25.00 for Guests.  Breakfast is included.

Pre-registration is required by emailing Wendy Button no later than midnight on Thursday, March 5th.  This is also the deadline to cancel a registration without incurring the meetng fee. 

This presentation has been submitted for 1 HRCI and SHRM recertification credit. 

Approval is pending.