Have you ever wondered what exactly the PA CareerLink® office is and how they can help you? Check out these Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) below!
What is the PA CareerLink®?
The Pennsylvania CareerLink® is a collaborative project between multiple agencies to provide career services to Pennsylvania employers, potential employees, and others. Pennsylvania CareerLink® is operated under the direction of the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry and administered by a variety of agencies throughout the commonwealth.
Can the PA CareerLink® help me find a job?
Yes! Businesses post their open jobs on our database and job seekers can use a variety of filters to find a suitable job for them close to where they live. Job seekers can also post a resume on the PA CareerLink® site too for employers to call them when they have open positions. Furthermore, PA CareerLink® offers one-on-one assistance for job seekers who come into the office and help them clean up their resume.
Does the PA CareerLink® pay for training and/or education?
Yes, the PA CareerLink® can pay for certain trainings / further education depending on the individual’s circumstances and current high demand occupations. For example, the PA CareerLink® can approve Individualized Trainings Accounts (ITAs), Customized Job Trainings (CJTs), On the Job Trainings (OJTs), Income Worker Trainings (IWTs), and Transitional Employment Programs. Contact your local PA CareerLink® to learn more on how to apply and be approved for one of these great opportunities!
What is a High Priority Occupation and how does it affect me?
A high priority occupation is exactly what it sounds like; a job deemed by the Commonwealth of PA to be in-demand and therefore eligible to receive certain types of funding for training. These high priority occupations can change depending on the business climate. Currently one example would be truck drivers where the Commonwealth will pay for someone to receive a CDL license at no cost to that individual if he/she qualifies for one of the programs listed above.
What is STEM and how does it work with PA Smart?
STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. This is a buzz word going around to encourage more students and adults to look for jobs in these areas as this is where the current need for employment resides around. PAsmart is an initiative by Governor Wolf and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania which connects Pennsylvanians with the information they need to succeed in our evolving economy. PAsmart includes resources on education and training opportunities, apprenticeships, and STEM careers. PAsmart also highlights a variety of career options with family-sustaining wages, including careers that don’t require a four-year college degree. For example, the Private Industry Council of Westmoreland/Fayette, Inc. (PIC) has partnered with Aliquippa School District to build STEM classrooms for students in their Elementary and High Schools to have students become more familiar with technology related to STEM fields before stepping out into the workforce. NOTE: STEAM is also a common acronym used in this context with the “A” standing for “Arts.”
Is the PA CareerLink® the unemployment office?
No, the PA CareerLink® is not the unemployment office and cannot pay benefits for people who were just laid off. However, the PA CareerLink® office does have a direct line into the unemployment office and people who sign up for benefits must work with the PA CareerLink® to be looking for employment and hit certain criteria.
If I’m an employer, can you help me fill vacancies?
Absolutely! This is one of the main functions of the PA CareerLink®. Each office employs account representatives who regularly check in and communicate with businesses within the designated service areas of the office. Any business can also post jobs on the PA CareerLink® website and work with their local PA CareerLink® office to pull candidates from the system and assist in setting up interviews with qualified candidates.
What workshops do you offer?
Each PA CareerLink® offers their own workshops and all generally revolve around career development. Some workshop class examples are: interview workshops, resume workshops, career training informational workshop, etc. Contact your local office for a complete list of workshops for that month!
Where are the PA CareerLink® located? And what are their hours?
The Private Industry Council of Westmoreland/Fayette Inc. is the Title I operator for three PA CareerLink® offices. A complete list of PA CareerLink® can be found at the website, pacareerlink.pa.gov.
- Westmoreland / Youngwood — 151 Pavilion Lane, Youngwood, PA 15697 — 724-755-2330
- Alle-Kiski / New Kensington — 1150 5th Ave., New Kensington, PA 15068 — 724-334-8600
- Fayette / Uniontown — 112 Commonwealth Dr., Lemont Furnace, PA 15456 — 724-434-5627
*Hours of Operation are Monday – Thursday 8 a.m.- 4 p.m. and Friday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
