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The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Workforce System has established High Priority Occupations (HPOs) as one component of Pennsylvania’s industry-driven approach to workforce development. The purpose of the HPO lists is to align workforce training and education investments with occupations that are in demand by employers, have higher skill needs, and are most likely to provide family-sustaining wages.

• Unmet employer demand for talent
• Career Pathways
• Local workforce initiatives/sector partnerships

Final lists for 2024-2025 High Priority Occupations

Employers, workforce, education, training, and economic development agencies, and members of the public requested that Philadelphia Works, Inc. petition for the inclusion of an occupation on the 2024-2025 Draft High Priority Occupations list for Philadelphia County from April 16, 2024 – May 1, 2024. Below is the final list for both Philadelphia County and Pennsylvania’s entire Workforce Development Area. These lists are valid from August 1, 2024, through July 31, 2025.

• Final 2024 HPO List for Philadelphia County

• Final 2024 HPO Lists for all Pennsylvania Workforce Development Areas

Additional Resources

HPO Methodology
Explanation of the updated HPO process and how educational institutions and local Workforce Development Boards can submit documentation to have an occupation added to their local HPO list.