Let’s face it: we live in challenging times, and the search for a new job can seem overwhelming, but there is free individualized support and services available to you through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).

Do you know PA CareerLink®?

PA CareerLink® is your access to WIOA services—all free and all personalized for you. Take advantage of this support! We provide many online tools and resources to begin your search solo, OR we offer one-on-one personalized live support. Our trained Career Advisors are available to help. Their job is to help match you with the right employer. You may wonder how do I get started? Is now the right time to go back to work? What jobs are available? What skills do I need? Read on and know this is a challenge you can conquer!

How do I get started?

PA CareerLink® is your partner. If you are up for it, there is no limit to what can be achieved. Here’s how you request placement assistance:

  • Call your county PA CareerLink® office
  • Connect virtually through Live Chat
  • Come into an office and meet with a Career Advisor immediately

Locations, phone numbers, and open times are by county below. After getting career placement assistance, you are up for the challenge and on your way to brighter days! Take action today.

PA CareerLink®-Bedford County
One Corporate Dr., Suite 103
Bedford, PA 15522
Hours: Monday-Friday 9 am – 3 pm*
Phone: 814-623-6107

PA CareerLink®-Blair County
Downtown Altoona Transportation Center
1231 11th Ave.
Altoona, PA 16601
Hours: Monday-Thursday 9 am – 3 pm; Friday 10 am – 3 pm*
Phone: 814-940-6200

PA CareerLink®-Cambria County
248 Main Street, Suite 100
Johnstown, PA 15901
Hours: Monday-Friday 9 am – 3 pm*
Phone: 814-534-2500

PA CareerLink®-Fulton County
122 W Market St.
McConnellsburg, PA 17233
Hours: Monday-Friday 9 am – 3 pm*
Phone: 717-485-5131

PA CareerLink®-Huntingdon County
54 Pennsylvania Ave.
Huntingdon, PA 16652
Hours: Monday-Friday 9 am – 3 pm*
Phone: 814-641-6408

PA CareerLink®-Somerset County
6022 Glades Pike
Somerset, PA 15501
Hours: Monday-Friday 9 am – 3 pm
Phone: 814-445-4161

*Virtual services are available as requested at each office

After making your first move and contacting PA CareerLink®, a Career Advisor will meet with you. He or she will determine eligibility and conduct a simple assessment, which means you’ll know what services are available and can keep moving forward. Together with your Career Advisor you’ll develop an individual employment plan defining the best path to reach your employment goal and objectives. This may mean using Paid Work Experience, On-The-Job Training, Educational Training, and/or job search tools. Together you will chart a course of action and develop a resume. The process is fun and one of exploration—all needed for your plan to conquer the challenge! Take the first step: call or visit an office today for placement services.

Is now the right time?

Yes. You need to provide for yourself and possibly also a family. True, the work world is different than it was pre-pandemic. Many employers seek remote workers, or they have special measures and precautions in place to keep the workplace safe. Either way, waiting for the proper position to land in your lap is not going to happen. You must be proactive and use all available resources to find and be ready for your next opportunity. You can challenge yourself to shape your future now with our free support. Your Career Advisor will notify you when relevant job postings appear on our website, other websites, or within the community.

What jobs are available?

Many. PA CareerLink® has approximately 145,000 total jobs available across Pennsylvania currently posted. That is a lot of jobs. Career options are widespread and cover skilled labor trades and professional/office positions. To get started solo, you’ll need to create a resume using the resume-building tools. Once completed and uploaded, you’ll make yourself available to thousands of employers. You can search by keyword or location from https://www.pacareerlink.pa.gov/jponline/. You can search and apply across the Commonwealth, or you can narrow it down to your own town. OR your Career Advisor – if you call or stop in to an office, will provide you with ongoing support to create a resume and find jobs on our site as well as across the state on other job boards. If you take action today and get into the program with a Career Advisor, you will have ongoing conversations in person and via phone and email about your interests and qualifications, what opportunities seem to be a fit, as well as any barriers to employment that may exist. Together you’ll problem solve, identify options, and/or be referred to local social service agencies for additional support. There is an opportunity that awaits if you let PA CareerLink® support you.

What skills do I need?

Let PA CareerLink® help you determine what skills you may need and how to make yourself the most marketable. Those hidden talents may surface, and you will be ready for the challenge. PA CareerLink® Career Advisors will help design your personal employment plan. The process will assess what skills you have, where your skills can take you, and what training or additional resources may be available to help you develop new skills and find your next position.

We challenge you to look at issues as opportunities and to embrace yours! Remember that you aren’t alone. Career Advisors are here to help you. PA CareerLink® also offers training events, veteran services, career videos and tools, a military translator tool to determine which positions may be the best fit, and the ever-important interview training. Our abundant career resources and services are ready and in place for you.

While you and other job seekers are doing the work to prepare for a new career, employers offer expertise in their marketplace and define progress through industry challenges. PA CareerLink® is here every step of the way. Let us match you with the right employer.

We will be featuring job seekers and employers who are up for the challenge in future blogs and social media posts. As 2021 opens up, we are focusing on getting our mission across to as many people as possible – PA CareerLink® was designed to help job seekers harness their individual skills and be prepared for new work. We are here to help shape your future, and services are free.

Contact PA CareerLink® today for placement assistance. It is a challenge you can conquer!