Career+Pathways+Toolkits

Career Pathways

The US Department of Labor – Employment and Training Administration (2011g) recently defined career pathway programs as a clear sequence of education coursework and/or training credentials that include the following components: • Are aligned with the skill needs of industries important to the regional or state economies in which they are located, and reflect the active engagement of employers in targeted industry sectors regarding the skill requirements for employment or career progression in high demand occupations. • Include the full range of secondary, adult education, and postsecondary education options, including registered apprenticeship, with a non-duplicative progression of courses clearly articulated from one level of instruction to the next, with opportunities to earn postsecondary credits and lead to industry-recognized [and/or] postsecondary credentials; • Include curriculum and instructional strategies that make work a central context for learning (contextual learning) and help students attain work readiness skills; • Include, as appropriate for the individual, integrated education and training that combine occupational skills training with adult education services, give credit for prior learning, and adopt other strategies that accelerate the educational and career advancement of the participant. • Lead to the attainment of an industry-recognized degree or credential, which may include stackable credentials of value in the labor market and that articulate progressively to higher-level credentials or degrees. • Help a worker enter or advance within a specific sector or occupational field, regardless of their skills at the point of entry. • Include academic and career counseling, wrap-around support services particularly at points of transition, and support the development of an individual career plan. • Are organized to meet the particular needs of adults, including childcare, accommodating work schedules with flexible and non-semester-based scheduling, alternative class times and locations, and the innovative use of technology. • Have the goal of increasing an individual’s educational and skills attainment and employment outcomes. (US Department of Labor, 2011g, Six key elements of career pathways chart and definition, p. 2)

The Northeast Pennsylvania’s Green Machine: Career Pathways for the Energy Sector guide was developed to introduce information about the energy sector, particularly green energy.Information within this guide includes career pathways maps, regional high priority occupations, certification information, and Pennsylvania approved training providers for jobs in the energy field.



Lehigh Valley Manufacturing Toolkit was developed to introduce information about the manufacturing sector.Information within this guide includes career pathways maps, regional high priority occupations, certification information, and Pennsylvania approved training providers for jobs in the manufacturing field.



Updated toolkit for 2014