Shapiro Administration Slashes Vacancy Rates, Revamps Hiring to Deliver for Pennsylvanians

Pennsylvania Capitol

HARRISBURG, PA — The Shapiro Administration is proving that government can move at the speed of business. With a sweeping overhaul of hiring processes and a laser focus on efficiency, Pennsylvania has slashed the vacancy rate for critical permitting, licensing, and certification (PLC) roles by an impressive 64 percent. This bold leadership is saving time, reducing backlogs, and boosting the delivery of state services for Pennsylvanians who need them most.

Since taking office, Governor Josh Shapiro has prioritized revitalizing the state workforce, tackling inefficiencies head-on to create a state government that works—not someday, not eventually, but right now. This drive for accountability and innovation has paid off. According to the Office of Administration, nearly 600 previously vacant PLC positions have been filled, reducing the vacancy rate from 14 percent to just 5 percent—a critical win for residents and businesses that rely on timely state services.

“State agencies need dedicated and talented employees to help us deliver the services that Pennsylvanians use every day. Rebuilding staffing levels in permitting, licensing, and certifications is crucial to this mission,” said Secretary of Administration Neil Weaver. And the numbers prove it.

Revolutionizing the Hiring Playbook

Pennsylvania’s success isn’t rooted in luck—it’s the product of strategic changes that disrupted old, sluggish hiring processes. Recognizing the bottleneck in vacancy timelines, the Shapiro Administration worked closely with agencies to identify about 900 unfilled PLC positions and launched an ambitious plan to speed up recruitment without sacrificing quality.

The playbook included fast-tracking the hiring process by rearranging hiring stages, slashing the posting period for most positions to a maximum of five days, and hosting targeted job events where applicants could get interviewed and even receive on-the-spot conditional offers. For example, a typical PLC job post in January 2023 might have taken an average of 90 days to fill. Thanks to these reforms, that time has dropped to just 61 days, cutting delays by 32 percent.

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“Hiring at the speed of business isn’t just a catchphrase—it’s a necessity,” said Jason Swarthout, Acting Deputy Secretary for Human Resources and Management. “Our mission is to support our workforce by attracting top talent, offering competitive benefits, and creating diverse and inclusive workplaces where employees feel empowered to make a difference.”

Why This Matters to You

Reducing the time it takes to fill PLC vacancies isn’t just an abstract win for bureaucratic efficiency—it’s a game-changer for the people of Pennsylvania. Delay in filling these positions directly impacts everyday services, from securing a business license to renewing a professional permit. By cutting the backlog, Pennsylvanians now experience faster, more reliable interactions with their government.

For entrepreneurs waiting on a business permit to launch their ventures or healthcare professionals needing licensure to care for patients, the impact is both tangible and deeply personal. These jobs aren’t just about paper-pushing; they’re about clearing the path for progress.

Building the Workforce of the Future

Governor Shapiro’s administration isn’t just focused on filling openings—it’s transforming state employment into an attractive career path for Pennsylvanians. Under the banner of the HIRE (Hire, Improve, Recruit, and Empower) Committee, the state has implemented initiatives designed to compete with private sector employers in a tight labor market while emphasizing diversity and inclusivity.

The results speak volumes. Beyond faster hiring, the administration has modernized employee benefits for recruits and their families, saving new hires nearly $2,700 in healthcare costs while boosting coverage limits for dental, vision, and other services. Commonwealth employees now enjoy increased paid parental leave, expanded access to mental health counseling, and partnerships with Pennsylvania colleges offering tuition discounts for continuing education.

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The administration has also cut bureaucracy by approving nearly all state positions—92 percent—to be filled based on skills and experience, eliminating unnecessary college-degree requirements. This bold move dramatically widens the talent pool in historically hard-to-fill roles.

Investing in Longevity

The Shapiro Administration isn’t just checking boxes—it’s implementing robust programs designed to make state jobs careers worth keeping for the long haul. Among them are apprenticeship and fellowship initiatives like the IT Help Desk Apprenticeship and the William and Hannah Penn Fellowship, which provide young professionals with pathways into public service.

Graduates aren’t the only winners—mid-career professionals are finding new opportunities to grow without leaving their posts. With additional training and leadership development opportunities, the Commonwealth workforce isn’t just expanding; it’s thriving.

An Open Invitation

If you’re ready for a career where you can make a difference while earning competitive benefits, Pennsylvania is hiring. Workforce revitalization isn’t about balancing government workforce numbers; it’s about making sure the people tasked with serving Pennsylvania’s 13 million residents have what they need to succeed. Visit Employment.pa.gov to explore hundreds of opportunities in the Commonwealth today.

The numbers don’t lie. Under Governor Shapiro’s bold leadership, Pennsylvania is proving that government can be fast, innovative, and effective. The bottom line is clear—the Commonwealth is delivering.

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