Lebanon, PA: On the morning of February 26, 2026, StoneRidge Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center buzzed with conversation as local business leaders, workforce partners, and community organizations gathered for the Lebanon Valley Chamber of Commerce’s Economic Forecast Breakfast. Among them was WEPA Tec Centro’s own Angel Romero, attending on behalf of the organization to stay connected with regional workforce trends and explore new partnership opportunities.
One particularly impactful connection emerged through discussions with representatives from the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters. Their team shared an inside look at their well‑established four‑year registered apprenticeship program, designed for individuals eager to build a career in the skilled trades. They described a pathway that blends rigorous hands‑on training with paid, on‑the‑job experience, which opens the door to careers such as commercial carpentry, heavy highway work, millwright and mechanical carpentry, and pile driving.
For Tec Centro Lebanon, the alignment is clear. The Carpenters’ apprenticeship program embodies the very values our organization champions: sustainable wages, long‑term career growth, and accessible pathways into meaningful employment. These opportunities are especially vital for participants seeking hands‑on careers with room to grow so they can support their families.
Angel, Tec Centro Lebanon‘s Employment Specialist, left with renewed enthusiasm and a commitment to continue the conversation. The next steps will involve gathering additional information on eligibility, selection processes, and how Tec Centro Lebanon can partner in promoting these opportunities to our participants. The potential collaboration represents a strong avenue for those ready to take their next step into the skilled trades.
The Economic Forecast Breakfast served as a reminder of how powerful community connection can be. We look forward to having these conversations open new doors for the individuals we serve.