As part of its pandemic recovery response, PA CareerLink Luzerne/Schuylkill Counties Administrator Christine M. Jensen said the pandemic necessitated that the agency offer its services through virtual platforms and make more information available online.
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WILKES-BARRE — As part of its pandemic recovery response, PA CareerLink Luzerne/Schuylkill Counties Administrator Christine M. Jensen said the pandemic necessitated that the agency offer its services through virtual platforms and make more information available online.
Jensen said the agency on East Union Street has launched a new program to help recent graduates, ages 18-26, who are either unemployed or underemployed find employment in their field of study along with brand new local websites to better meet community members where they are — online in the digital work space.
“Our updated websites provide job seekers and employers with valuable information about our programs and services,” Jensen said. “We have also increased our Facebook and LinkedIn presence and launched a texting initiative in English and Spanish. Our goal is to reach the public on their schedule and using the vehicles for contact that they feel comfortable using.”
Jensen said Courses to Careers (C2C) is an initiative designed to connect young professionals with local career opportunities, especially young adults who have been adversely impacted by the pandemic. She said the program is supported through federal WIOA Title I funds as administered by the Luzerne/Schuylkill Workforce Development Board.
Jensen said local young adults who have obtained a post-secondary education credential, ranging from a license or certificate in their field to an associate’s or bachelor’s degree, are eligible for the program.
Upon enrollment, participants benefit from one-on-one career counseling, professional development workshops, and a paid internship opportunity for up to 12 weeks.
Jensen said the C2C program prepares participants for the local workforce through hands-on experience and by providing strategies to respond and manage stress in the workplace. The program has partnered with studio BE, a local wellness company, to provide a 90-day subscription to their online platform for each participant as well as steadiness and resilience training. The program’s end goal is to help each participant secure full-time, direct hire employment, retaining a robust talent pool locally.
For more information, eligible young adults, ages 18-26, can get started by texting “C2C” to 64600 and/or emailing their resume to [email protected].
New websites launched
Jensen said while the state website is still active and helpful, the Luzerne/Schuylkill Workforce Development Board has made it possible to learn more about resources specific to the local office, as funded through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).
The user-friendly platforms serve as one-stop information hubs — new websites feature each office’s team members, programs and services, and easy-to-access online resources. There’s also a news page featuring upcoming job fairs, workshops, and employer webinars. The sites also provide an events calendar and real-time updates on office operations in response to COVID-19.
“I’m happy to share that PA CareerLink has gone digital this year,” said Kaitlyn Beaver, Digital Media Producer for PA CareerLink Luzerne/Schuylkill Counties. “In partnership with Coal Creative, we built brand new websites for each office aimed at enhancing the digital experience for people seeking career counseling, training, and funding opportunities. Now, our customers are one click away from everything PA CareerLink has to offer!”
In addition to the new websites, Jensen said PA CareerLink is also piloting several texting initiatives to connect with job seekers:
• HotJobs: Text “HotJobs” to 64600 to receive weekly text alerts with job leads in Luzerne County.
• TrabajosCalientes: Text “TrabajosCalientes” to 64600 to receive weekly text alerts in Spanish with job leads in Luzerne County.
• Hired: Text “Hired” to 64600 to receive one-on-one job search assistance from a Career Advisor in Luzerne County.
• Contratado: Text “Contratado” to 64600 to receive one-on-one job search assistance in Spanish from a Career Advisor in Luzerne County.
• Courses to Careers (C2C): For recent graduates, ages 18-26, in both counties, text “C2C” to 64600 to receive job search assistance including paid internship opportunities with local employers.
Reach Bill O’Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.