In 2023, the health care and life sciences industries are poised for continued growth and expansion. With advances in technology and increased demand for innovative treatments and therapies, these two industries are some of the most exciting and dynamic sectors in the global economy.
However, that growth is challenged by pressing workforce shortages.
Today, all industry sectors are challenged to find workers. The workforce shortage is the result of a variety of variables — more people retiring than beginning careers, a growing skills “mismatch” between the jobs available and the job seekers, and continued fears about individual and family members’ health and safety brought on by the pandemic.
The health care and life sciences industry sector was deeply impacted by the pandemic — and continues to be impacted as it has lifted. Staff members with vulnerable family members at home made the decision difficult to quit rather than risk the life of a family member. These decisions put a strain on remaining workers — many called upon to increase their weekly work hours to take care of our ailing citizens — which led to burnout and additional worker losses.
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Now that we have traversed through the height of the pandemic, the demand for workers in the health care and life sciences sector has skyrocketed as elective procedures — put on hold during the pandemic — roar back in full swing. Routine doctor visits have returned, and the unfortunate injuries that occur as we return to driving, sports, and daily life are getting back to normal.
The result is a both a challenge and an opportunity — tremendous demand by the health care and life sciences to hire new employees and outstanding opportunities for those interested in a lifelong career in businesses and institutions that are some of the best places to work in our region .
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To help connect citizens looking for careers and employers looking to meet their workforce demand, the Erie Regional Chamber is hosting a health care and life sciences job fair from 2 to 6 pm on Tuesday, March 28 at the Ambassador Conference Center, 7794 Peach St. We encourage all who are potentially interested in working in this field to attend, learn about the opportunities, and meet nearly 25 health care and life sciences employers looking to fill thousands of positions.
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By hosting this job fair, the Erie Regional Chamber is working alongside businesses to help meet the needs of our vital health care system. It is the largest sector of employment in our region. Sixteen percent of Erie County jobs are in this sector — 67% higher than the national average — making a sustainable talent pipeline imperative to our regional growth.
All of us took many things for granted during the pandemic, including the health care and life sciences sector. Erie County is blessed with a robust and world-class health care system. We all benefit from it being fully staffed and running on all cylinders. It is also a sector that provides great opportunities for anyone looking for employment or a new pathway in their career.
We encourage all who are interested in coming to the Ambassador Conference Center on Tuesday, March 28 and learn more about the opportunities available. The health and well-being of all of us is at stake.
Jacob Rouch is vice president of economic development for the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership.
This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Thousands of health care jobs open in Erie, find yours at career fair
