Gov. Wolf Visits CareerLink York County to Highlight Virtual Services for Pennsylvanians Seeking Jobs

Statement

Governor Tom Wolf today visited the PA CareerLink York County to highlight the virtual services available to people looking for work and employers seeking qualified candidates. The governor also urged Republicans in Congress to extend the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation program that provides an extra $600 a week to people receiving unemployment compensation. The federal program ended July 25.

"The fight against COVID-19 has required sacrifices from all of us, and for many people these challenging months have left them in search of a new job," said Gov. Wolf. "PA CareerLink® has transitioned to offer more services online to help people find family-sustaining jobs for the long term.

"The most immediate way to help those workers is for Sen. Pat Toomey and Republicans
in Congress to extend the federal unemployment compensation program that provides an additional $600 a week. That added payment is critical for many people to pay their bills and keep food on the table. It's the right thing to do, and it's time for Washington to act."

Pennsylvania is also helping workers by bolstering the online services offered in all 67 counties from PA CareerLink®, a one-stop-shop for job seekers and employers.

Virtual services include:

-Adult education classes
-All employer services
-Career counseling
-Eligibility determination for Workforce Innovation programs and services
-Job search assistance
-On-the-job training programs
-Resume assistance
-Virtual workshops
-Youth programming and work readiness services

The virtual services are free by visiting PACareerLink.pa.gov and registering for an account. A job search portal and wide array of resources are available.

"This pandemic has been tough on many working families and the state's network of PA CareerLink® offices has stepped up with online services to help people find their next job," said Gov. Wolf. "The services are free, and I encourage job seekers and employers to use them."

PA CareerLink® is also helping to fight the pandemic by joining with South Central PA Works, the region's Workforce Development Board, and the Harrisburg Area Community College to develop a contact tracing training program. It is on track to graduate 75 contact tracers by the end of September and will coordinate with the Department of Health to place them in jobs that will bolster the state's network of contact tracers.

"As the regional workforce development board, SCPa Works is always seeking to support in-demand training," said Jesse McCree, Chief Executive Officer, South Central PA Works, "As we seek to safely reopen our communities and grow our economy, contact tracing is not only an essential service to our community, but an excellent opportunity to connect trained workers with long-term career pathways in the healthcare field."

Launched in July 2012, PA CareerLink® is part of the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry's initiative to transform the landscape of how job seekers find family-sustaining jobs and how employers find the skilled candidates that they need.

"Many PA CareerLink® services are now available at your fingertips," said L&I Deputy Secretary for Workforce Development Sheila Ireland. "Through the expansion of virtual education and employment services, PA CareerLink® staff remain ready to help job seekers get the training and skills they need, and help employers find qualified candidates to fill open positions."

Source