HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) has announced the successes of its PA CareerLink® Awareness Days initiative, which linked nearly 5,000 Pennsylvanians with hundreds of employers in events held statewide. Over August and September 2024, the initiative showcased the power of in-person workforce services, hosting 64 events ranging from job fairs to ribbon-cutting ceremonies across the Commonwealth’s six regions.
The effort demonstrated Pennsylvania’s commitment to workforce development and skills-based hiring, with results yielding immediate opportunities for job seekers. “PA CareerLink® Awareness Days transformed the lives of thousands of Pennsylvanians – from Philadelphia to Erie, Hazelton to Indiana, we’ve seen success in connecting skilled workers with their next career,” said Labor & Industry Secretary Nancy A. Walker. “Dozens of people were hired on the spot, hundreds more secured interviews and thousands gained access to local employers with jobs that offer family-sustaining wages and benefits. These results showcase the effectiveness of in-person workforce services across Pennsylvania – making PA CareerLink® a critical resource for both job seekers and employers throughout the Commonwealth.”
The Shapiro Administration has prioritized workforce development and skills-based hiring, emphasizing career paths that value skills over degrees. Governor Josh Shapiro’s bipartisan-approved 2024-25 budget demonstrates this commitment, with a $30 million increase in Career and Technical Education funding and a $2 million investment in expanding registered apprenticeship programs to address gaps in critical fields such as nursing.
At the regional level, PA CareerLink® Awareness Days achieved impactful results:
- Southeast Region: Events across Philadelphia’s locations served over 1,770 individuals and resulted in multiple on-the-spot hires. Bucks County saw 207 attendees connect with 41 employers, while Lehigh Valley hosted 24 employers serving 270 job seekers.
- South Central Region: Lebanon County led significant outcomes with 47 on-the-spot hires during an event that hosted 34 employers for 302 attendees. Blair County and Huntingdon County also saw robust participation with 137 and 117 attendees, respectively.
- North Central Region: A total of 45 employers served 575 customers, with targeted support for veterans at DuBois in Clearfield County.
- Northeast Region: Hazleton engaged 18 employers and 12 organizations to connect with 290 residents, while Lackawanna County brought together 15 employers to serve 150 job seekers.
- Northwest Region: Indiana County facilitated connections with 40 employers, and Mercer County hosted over 40 job attendees during its event.
- Southwest Region: Greene County’s event featured 43 organizations serving 58 attendees, showcasing expanded outreach across the region. Similarly, Fayette County successfully connected 38 organizations with local job seekers.
The initiative underscored the extensive resources available through the PA CareerLink® network. These include resume workshops, mock interviews, adult education classes, and career fairs, all designed to match skilled candidates with employer needs. Additionally, PA CareerLink® offers access to state-certified training and resources tailored to foster career growth.
With skills-based initiatives, increased funding for workforce development, and outreach efforts like PA CareerLink® Awareness Days, the Shapiro Administration is poised to continue creating job opportunities across the state. Residents and businesses are bing encouraged to leverage the PA CareerLink® network to build a robust, skilled workforce for Pennsylvania’s future.
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