KERSEY, PA — Workers and employers in six rural Pennsylvania counties will gain expanded access to job training and hiring services through a new mobile career center designed to bring workforce resources directly into underserved communities.
What This Means for You
- A mobile job center will bring career services directly to rural communities
- Residents can access training, job listings, and employer connections locally
- Employers gain new tools to recruit workers in hard-to-reach areas
The Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry launched its third mobile PA CareerLink unit, a traveling office equipped to deliver workforce services such as job search assistance, training programs, and employer connections on-site. Workforce services refer to programs that help individuals find jobs, build skills, and connect with employers.
Where the Mobile Unit Will Operate
The unit will serve six counties in north central Pennsylvania: Cameron, Clearfield, Elk, Jefferson, McKean, and Potter.
Officials said the effort targets areas where residents may face limited access to career services due to distance, transportation challenges, or fewer local resources.
The mobile office is expected to begin scheduled visits in mid-April.
What Services Will Be Offered
Staffed by workforce professionals, the mobile PA CareerLink unit will provide a range of services typically offered at fixed career centers.
Those services include:
- Job search assistance and resume support
- Access to training and career-readiness programs
- Direct connections between job seekers and employers
Officials said individuals can also register for services, search job postings, and upload resumes to connect with employers across the state.
Why Officials Say the Program Is Needed
State and local leaders said rural communities often face barriers to workforce participation.
“In a rural region like North Central Pennsylvania, access can be one of the biggest barriers for both job seekers and employers,” said Pam Streich, executive director of Workforce Solutions for North Central PA.
“This mobile PA CareerLink unit allows us to meet people where they are—bringing career services, training opportunities, and direct employer connections into our communities,” Streich said.
Labor and Industry Secretary Nancy A. Walker said the program is part of a broader effort to expand opportunity statewide.
“Every Pennsylvanian deserves access to opportunity, no matter their ZIP code,” Walker said. “This mobile PA CareerLink unit helps us show up in communities, connect people to good jobs, and support local employers in real time.”
Funding and Workforce Investment
The mobile unit is funded through the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, which supports job training and employment services.
Officials said the initiative aligns with broader state investments in workforce development, including increased funding for career and technical education and apprenticeship programs.
According to the administration, funding for those programs has grown from $118 million to $183 million over the past three years.
Broader Workforce Strategy
State officials said the program reflects a shift toward skills-based hiring, which focuses on a worker’s abilities and experience rather than requiring a college degree.
The administration has prioritized expanding training programs and strengthening the workforce pipeline to meet employer demand.
Officials said the mobile unit is intended to reduce barriers, expand access to opportunity, and help connect more Pennsylvanians with available jobs.
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