Northeast PA Manufacturers and Employers Council

The mission of the Northeast PA Manufacturers and Employers Council, Inc. is to provide programs and services that will develop a qualified workforce and competitive business community in northeast Pennsylvania. MAEC was incorporated as a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization in January 2006 and is dedicated to partnering with entities involved in business, education, and community. The Council is the administrator of numerous workforce development initiatives in Schuylkill and surrounding counties. Currently, MAEC offers the following programs:

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. 

Career Integration

Professionals from the business community are invited to speak to all high school students about career awareness, including opportunities within various skilled trades and high demand occupations.

Career Fairs

The Annual Schuylkill County Career Fair is held at the end of the year profiles a range of career paths, including those in the manufacturing, health care, education, logistics and transportation, professional occupations (medical, legal, engineering, financial jobs), and a host of other sectors. 

The Council has also partnered with elementary schools in Schuylkill County to help coordinate individual Career Awareness Events for students in grades k-6. 

 Internship Placements

The Council works in conjunction with area high schools and post-secondary education institutions to connect students and local companies for internship opportunities.  MAEC also works with companies who do not currently offer internships, but are interested in developing a program. 

 Youth Employment Register

High school students who have a certification (YES, a certificate for the machine trades, horticulture, cosmetology, welding, electrical / carpentry, culinary, etc.)  have the opportunity to provide their resumes for inclusion in the MAEA’s Member Journal, which is distributed to over 1,000 individuals at 700 companies in the service area. 

Administrator in the Workplace

This 1 day program provides opportunities for school district administrators and guidance counselors to tour area businesses and industries so that they can become more familiar with local companies, careers available within those companies, and the skills needed for those careers.  The purpose of the program is to make a direct connection between business and education and begin a dialogue on the needs of employers and how educators can help students develop the skills to best meet those needs.

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