In 2021, PA Careerlink® job seekers were definitely up to the challenge! In Cambria County, job seekers and employers were engaged and made lasting impressions county-wide, all with the shared mission of helping the region gain better employment and embrace the difficult times the pandemic has brought upon us. Now that 2022 is here, the challenge to find better employment continues, and opportunities abound!
Will you be up for it next?
There is an abundance of positions available across the Southern Alleghenies. “There is no question that our region is blessed with many open positions and opportunities for job seekers. In Cambria County and across the region, our Career Advisors remain steadfast to the goal of finding better employment for job seekers and in helping employers find the right matches,” said Jeff Dick, Site Administrator of PA CareerLink® Cambria and Somerset Counties.
“Career Advisors like Karen Sellers make a difference every day,” Jeff explains. “She went above and beyond helping job seeker William (Bill) Deter achieve success in 2021 and continues to focus on helping job seekers in Cambria County. Moving into 2022, Karen is dedicated to her job seekers and to PA CareerLink® in general—she exemplifies the one-on-one coaching and support that helps job seekers tackle the challenge.”
Bill Deter—our spotlight job seeker this month—reached great heights in 2021 and is now poised for more success in the new year.
What does Bill say about his headway in 2021 and his goals moving into 2022?
“2021 was my year! Not only did I graduate from the University of Pittsburgh Johnstown (UPJ), but I started working with PA CareerLink®. With their support, I started my internship in January of 2021, and I also completed my On-the-Job Training in 2021. Karen checked in with me regularly during this time and still does. She assists and supports me as needed. I am so appreciative and thank Karen and PA CareerLink® for their services and time in helping me navigate my career path and conquer the challenge.”
How did Bill discover PA CareerLink?
“Word of mouth—PA CareerLink® services are helping the region change for the better, and word is getting around. My University of Pittsburgh at Johnston (UPJ) professor also worked for Sourceree. He had great things to say about PA CareerLink® services and people and suggested that I reach out to start the process. I did just that and started working with PA CareerLink® before graduation with hopes they could help, and they did. Sourceree uses PA CareerLink® to sponsor interns and implement its On-the-Job Training program. I was up for the challenge in both regards and embarked on a life-changing year. It culminated in securing full-time employment with Sourceree, and I have never been happier professionally.
What else about Bill makes him our 2021 spotlight?
Now a Software Engineer with Sourceree, Bill attributes his ability to perform this position due to his UPJ education in computer science and the skills he gained through PA CareerLink®’s On-the-Job Training program in which he held the role of Junior Software Developer Trainee. “Both PA CareerLink® and Sourceree have had my back, so to speak. I am grateful for both of their attention and time and would not be where I am without it.”
Sourceree is a cutting-edge company based in Ebensburg specializing in software, cyber security, and intelligence. Bill works to improve customer service by designing user interfaces and working through complex customer needs. He has trained with rational and graph databases, EXPLORER 3rd party tools, and web scraping activities.
William has received glowing marks from his supervisor at Sourceree. “He’s an irreplaceable part of our team and is doing fantastic! Bill has done an amazing job working with the team and tackling every issue that comes his way. He’s done everything that we’ve asked of him and more.” The partnerships cultivated between PA CareerLink®, UPJ, and employers like Sourceree provided Bill with the tools and support needed to be successful.
What’s next?
It’s your turn to embrace the challenge in 2022! Whether you’re a job seeker needing employment, dreaming of better employment, or an employer who could use talent, contact PA CareerLink® today to get started. Opportunities in the region are abundant, and our Career Advisors are ready to help.
We are dedicated to helping the region, and services are free.
PA CareerLink®-Bedford County
Hours: Monday-Friday 8 am – 4 pm; Friday 9 am – 4 pm
Phone: 814-623-6107
TTY: 814-623-6029
PA CareerLink®-Blair County
Hours: Monday-Thursday 8:30 am – 4:30 pm; Friday 9 am – 4:30 pm
Phone: 814-940-6200
TTY: 814-569-1066
PA CareerLink®-Cambria County
Hours: Monday-Thursday 8 am – 4 pm; Friday 9 am – 4 pm
Phone: 814-534-2500
TTY: 814-534-2511
PA CareerLink®-Huntingdon County
Hours: Monday-Friday 8 am – 4 pm
Phone: 814-641-6408
TTY: 1-866-395-0149
Employment and Training Inc.
Affiliate site of the PA CareerLink® Huntingdon-Fulton County
Hours: Monday-Friday 8 am – 4 pm
Phone: 717-485-5131
TTY: 717-485-3970
PA CareerLink®-Somerset County
Hours: Monday-Thursday 8 am – 4 pm; Friday 9 am – 4 pm
Phone: 814-445-4161
TTY: 814-444-5814