Pa’s Underground Park & the Future of Skilled Trades

Pa’s Underground Park & the Future of Skilled Trades

From The Spark by WITF

May 7, 2026 · 44 min

About this episode

This episode discusses Pennsylvania's first underground park and the future of skilled trades in the state.

Pennsylvania’s newest — and most unique — state park is officially open, and it’s unlike anything else in the system. In this episode, DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn and Laurel Caverns Park Manager Corie Eckman break down what makes Laurel Caverns worthy of becoming the state’s first underground park, from its status as the largest cave in Pennsylvania to its decades-long legacy as a public attraction With Skilled Trades Day May 6th, this episode brings together two perspectives shaping Pennsylvania’s workforce future. Secretary of Policy and Planning Akbar Hossain outlines the statewide strategy to expand access to skilled trades and strengthen the economy, while Tec Centro Workforce Network CEO Carlos Graupera shares what that work looks like on the ground in communities.

People in this episode

Guests: Cindy Adams Dunn, Corie Eckman, Akbar Hossain, Carlos Graupera

Topics covered

  • underground park
  • skilled trades
  • workforce development
  • Pennsylvania economy
  • public attractions

Keywords

  • Laurel Caverns
  • skilled trades
  • Pennsylvania
  • workforce
  • DCNR
  • public attraction
  • economy

Mentioned in this episode

Places: Pennsylvania, Laurel Caverns

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