The Gen Z workforce has more than doubled since the beginning of the Shapiro Administration as younger workers seek out careers with stability, purpose, and opportunities for professional growth.
Governor Josh Shapiro’s executive order to expand opportunities for careers in public service and build a world-class competitive workforce are making the Commonwealth one of the best places to work for the future leaders of Pennsylvania.
Harrisburg, PA – The Shapiro Administration is attracting the next generation of talent to state government, as demonstrated by substantial increases in the number of Generation Z (Gen Z) and Millennial employees who have joined the Commonwealth workforce in recent years.
“Pennsylvania’s state agencies need qualified, talented employees to help us deliver the services that our fellow residents depend on,” said Secretary of Administration Neil Weaver. “In order to attract talent to these roles, Governor Shapiro has committed to creating a workplace that gives individuals the opportunity to succeed, both professionally and personally. Under his leadership, the Office of Administration is working to make Pennsylvania one of the top employers in the nation and attract the next generation of public servants.”
Recent age diversity trends demonstrate these efforts are paying off. In December 2022, the Commonwealth had approximately 2,000 Gen Z employees who were born from 1997 to 2009. Today, the figure stands above 4,600, an increase of 128 percent under the Shapiro Administration.
In December 2022, Millennials made up 34.5 percent of the Commonwealth’s workforce (approximately 24,000 employees). Since then, the number of employees born from 1981 to 1996 has grown to 37.4 percent (about 27,000 employees), an increase of 12.4 percent.
Recruitment efforts have illustrated that Millennial and Gen Z job seekers are looking for employment opportunities that provide career growth, stability, and a work-life balance. Gen Z in particular values the freedom to progress in their careers in a secure environment – one that offers job security, health and retirement benefits, and that prioritizes their mental and physical well-being.
So far this year, Commonwealth recruiters have attended over 400 career events at Pennsylvania high schools, universities, and colleges with an estimated combined attendance of over 100,000 students.
“Our recruiters are actively going out to communities across the state to speak to Pennsylvania’s younger generations and raise awareness about all that we have to offer,” said Secretary Weaver. “There are numerous openings available around the Commonwealth, so whether you’re a recent college graduate or have gained skills and experiences outside the classroom, if you are looking for a job that makes a difference, we want to hear from you.»
Recently, the Office of Administration collaborated with several Gen Z employees to highlight how working for the Commonwealth helps them fulfill goals in both their careers and lives.
Sophia, an employee of the Department of Human Services, is pursuing a master’s degree while working for the Commonwealth. She appreciates the opportunity to apply lessons from the classroom to support the department’s mission. “Working at the Commonwealth allows me to combine my passion for social justice with job security, all while contributing to projects that improve healthcare access and support vulnerable communities.»
Angelina, a Department of Labor and Industry employee and new mother, says working for the Commonwealth allows her to balance time with her family and a fulfilling career. “I just would love to stay with the Commonwealth, work my way up, grow my family. I’m so grateful for it.”
In February, the Shapiro Administration increased paid parental leave for employees from six to eight weeks following the qualifying birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child. The Administration also expanded support for families and caregivers under the State Employee Assistance Program.
Mateo, a Department of Labor and Industry employee, says the stability offered by the Commonwealth supports him in giving his best each day. «The Commonwealth’s benefits, especially the job security and medical coverage, give me peace of mind and allow me to focus on what truly matters—serving others and making a difference.»
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania offers a total benefits package that makes a positive impact on the lives of its employees every day. These benefits, including comprehensive health coverage, flexible retirement plans, counseling services for mental wellness, generous paid leave, and for certain positions, the opportunity to telework, provide the supportive environment that Gen Z workers expect – and demonstrates the empowering culture that is being cultivated by the Shapiro Administration.
Jayne, a former Department of Environmental Protection employee, credits the Commonwealth with helping her to achieve for her lifelong aspiration to attend law school. “Working for the Commonwealth is geared towards someone who really wants to be a changemaker, who really wants to be impactful, and be a good neighbor.”
The Commonwealth has prioritized supporting employees who want to advance their skills through further education and is working to make higher education more affordable for employees and their families. Benefits include:
- $3,000 per academic year scholarships may be available at state system universities.
- Tuition discounts from a growing list of institutions that includes Elizabethtown College, Harrisburg University, Peirce College, Pennsylvania Western University (PennWest) Global Online, and York College of Pennsylvania.
- A 0.25% an interest rate discount on PA Forward student loans from PHEAA.
- Commonwealth employees may qualify for loan forgiveness through the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness program, or PSLF.
Executive Order 2024-01, signed by Governor Shapiro in May, directed the Office of Administration to expand Pennsylvania’s fellowship, internship, and apprenticeship programs to create new pathways to careers in public service with the Commonwealth. You can view information about the Commonwealth’s growing selection of internship, apprenticeship, and fellowship opportunities on the Launch Your Career page on Employment.pa.gov.
To learn more about working for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, visit Employment.pa.gov where you can view and apply to current job openings, receive notifications about new vacancies, and learn more about the Commonwealth’s Total Rewards benefits for employees.
