Nanticoke, Luzerne County, PA -
Penn’s Northeast participated in an informational workshop hosted by Amazon Web Services (AWS) at Luzerne County Community College (LCCC) focused on data centers, digital infrastructure, and workforce development strategies to support major technology investments planned across Northeastern Pennsylvania.
More than 12 data center campus projects are currently proposed or underway throughout the region. With this rapid growth comes new questions and opportunities regarding the skilled workforce required to build, operate, and support data infrastructure at scale. AWS’s recently announced $10 billion data center campus investment in Salem Township, Pennsylvania, served as a central example of the scale of private-sector activity now emerging in the Commonwealth.
The workshop highlighted the skilled trades and specialized roles that will be critical for data center development, including electricians, technicians, engineers, and other supporting professions. LCCC showcased hands-on training environments and career pathways being designed through its Career & Technology Academy, as well as partnerships aimed at advancing talent pipelines for data center-related fields.
In addition, participants learned about “PA Works,” a statewide initiative involving Pennsylvania’s 15 community colleges aimed at expanding career training, microcredentials, and pre-apprenticeship opportunities aligned with future workforce needs. The program seeks to build a unified strategy to prepare Pennsylvanians for high-demand roles in emerging industries.
Penn’s Northeast joined regional economic development professionals, workforce leaders, educators, and government officials for collaborative discussions on how the region can align around these opportunities. With significant private-sector investment already underway, coordination among education, workforce, and economic development partners will be crucial to ensuring the region remains competitive and well-positioned for continued technological growth.
Penn’s Northeast appreciates the invitation to participate in this session and looks forward to continued collaboration with AWS, LCCC, and regional stakeholders as data center investment and digital infrastructure expansion accelerate throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania.
