The federal government is losing a large number of employees. Many have been laid off or offered buyouts under the Trump administration. This could create a new opportunity for former federal workers. It may also help Pennsylvania’s workforce, which is already struggling. Governor Josh Shapiro issued an executive order this week to help fill state jobs. The goal is to recruit federal workers who have the experience needed for roles in Pennsylvania’s government.
Shapiro said, “Right now, Pennsylvania still has 540 critical jobs to fill. We can recruit federal workers and veterans who have the skills and experience from their past jobs.” These workers have done similar tasks at the federal level or in the military. Now, they can bring that experience to the state and continue their service in new roles.
Pennsylvania state jobs available for federal workers
The state of Pennsylvania is looking to fill many important jobs. These include roles in civil engineering, nursing, corrections, and accounting. Under the new executive order, former federal employees can apply for these jobs. Their federal work experience counts as equivalent to state work experience, giving them a better chance to qualify for open positions. The order also helps veterans by allowing them to continue serving the country while filling critical state positions.
Shapiro’s office expects this will help the state fill these jobs faster. With the right people in place, skilled workers will fill these roles and hit the ground running. For many former federal workers, this opportunity lets them continue the work they love in a new setting.
Strong recruiting strategy to help fill vacant positions
The executive order includes a new, strong recruiting strategy. This plan will include in-person and virtual job fairs. These events will allow potential candidates to meet with state officials and learn about job opportunities. A new website will be launched as well. The website will match state positions with federal jobs that are similar. This will make it easier for job seekers to understand which roles they are qualified for. The goal is to make the job search process faster and more efficient for everyone involved.
The state hopes this recruiting effort will help find the right candidates for these critical positions. By reaching out to former federal employees, the state can tap into a pool of experienced workers. These workers are ready to bring their skills and knowledge to new roles in Pennsylvania.
Transitioning from federal to state employment
Many people have already made the transition from federal to state work. Johnathan Skripka, a director at the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA), shared his story. He worked for FEMA as an emergency management specialist before coming back to Pennsylvania. He said, “I’ve always wanted to help others. When I had the chance to return home and apply my skills in Pennsylvania, I took it. The experience I gained from the federal government has helped me navigate complex policies and deliver disaster relief more effectively here.”
Skripka’s experience shows how helpful it can be to bring federal workers into state jobs. The skills they gain at the federal level often make them strong candidates for state roles. This gives them a chance to keep making a difference in their communities, even after they leave federal employment.
Criticism of the executive order
Not everyone agrees with the governor’s plan. Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman, R-Indiana, has concerns about the executive order. He believes that hiring for state positions should always be based on finding the most qualified people. Pittman said, “We need to be careful and thoughtful when looking for new workers. We don’t need an executive order to hire the best candidates for these jobs.”
Pittman also noted that many Pennsylvanians support the cuts to the federal workforce. “People are tired of waste, fraud, and abuse in government. Taxpayers clearly back efforts to reduce these problems,” he said.
The impact of federal employee cuts in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is home to around 104,000 federal employees. The cuts and layoffs in recent years have caused concern for many. Polls show that the American public is divided on the issue. A CBS News and YouGov poll found that 40% of Americans disapprove of the changes to the federal government under Trump. Another 25% are unsure, while 35% approve of the changes. The opinions are split along party lines. Most Republicans support the cuts, while most Democrats are against them.
Despite the mixed opinions, the cuts have had a significant impact on Pennsylvania. The state now has the chance to fill important positions with experienced workers. This may help improve the state’s workforce, but the debate about federal cuts and state hiring continues.
