Northeast PA Manufacturers and Employers Council

            The Northeast PA Manufacturers and Employers Council, Inc., incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in January 2006, is dedicated to partnering with entities involved in business, education, and community.  The Council is the administrator of the Schuylkill Workforce Partnership, which oversees the workforce development initiatives in Schuylkill County.   The Council also serves as the applicant on behalf of area businesses and organizations who wish to apply for grant monies.

Currently, the Council administers the following programs through the Schuylkill Workforce Partnership:

Pennsylvania Business Retention and Expansion Program (PA BREP) 

The mission of this state initiative is to preserve jobs and create new opportunities while providing the opportunity for Schuylkill County business leaders to share their thoughts, concerns and ideas for the future of our business community. The program is comprised of a team of interviewers who are responsible for conducting face to face interviews with over 80 businesses in the county each year.  The goal of the program is to meet the needs of the business community, create/retain jobs and to promote northeastern Pennsylvania.

YES™ (Your Employability Skills) Certificate Program

YES is a job-skill building program targeted at high school seniors.  The purpose of the program is to develop students’ basic job skill knowledge, which managers in all phases of business and industry require.  YES™ is a 120-hour, yearlong, curriculum-based elective course that teaches students skills such as conflict resolution, goal setting, writing skills, interview training, resume writing, and job application tips.  In order to complete the program, students must pass a 6-panel drug screening, attend 95% of the classes, and obtain a high school diploma.  Beginning with the 2007-08 school year, five (5) Schuylkill County school districts and one (1) Luzerne County school will be offering the YES program in Northeast PA.  YES™ has a proven track record of providing employers with qualified, drug free applicants that can help local businesses and industries remain competitive.  The program is designed to graduate individuals who can grow with our local companies, thus keeping our local business climate strong.

The Council has also partnered with the Schuylkill Conservation District for their annual Bear Creek Festival, a free one-day event typically held in May.  The purpose of the event is to promote watershed awareness and features environmentally-themed, hands-on activities for the whole family coordinated by local conservation organizations and the community.  The festival provides many opportunities for corporate involvement and sponsorships. 

 For more information on the Schuylkill Workforce Partnership, please click here.