High Priority Occupations

High Priority Occupations (HPOs) are one component of Pennsylvania's industry-driven approach to workforce development. The purpose of the HPO lists is to align workforce training and education investments with occupations that are in demand by employers, have higher skill needs and are most likely to provide family sustaining wages. Combining statistical data with regional expert input allow for a complete picture of the actual workforce needs of the commonwealth.

Draft 2023 HPO Lists
These lists are provided for review. Please submit petitions to add occupations to these lists by June 9. Final 2023 HPO lists will be released August 1, 2023.

2022 HPO Lists
These lists are valid from August 1, 2022, through July 31, 2023.

HPO Methodology
Explanation of the updated HPO process and how educational institutions and local Workforce Development Boards can submit documentation to have an occupation added to their local HPO list.

HPO Petition Form
Access the updated online HPO petition form, which can be used during the annual petition submission period in the spring or for emergency petitions throughout the year. In most cases, additional documentation is required.

Please consult the HPO Methodology document above for specific requirements.

The Pennsylvania CIP-SOC Crosswalk
View the most current version of the crosswalk file that aligns training programs (classified by CIP codes) and occupations (classified by SOC codes). This information is used to determine the eligibility of educational programs for workforce development training monies. Pennsylvania's CIP-SOC crosswalk has been and will continue to be modified from the national version based on input from various educational facilities and the Pennsylvania Department of Education.