Wolf Administration officials, local officials, and legislators recently celebrated the grand opening of PA CareerLink Blair County, which recently relocated to the Altoona Area Public Library, and discussed the administration’s job training and career readiness initiatives.
Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) Deputy Secretaries Jennifer Berrier and Eileen Cipriani and Pennsylvania Department of Education Deputy Secretary & Commissioner for Libraries Glenn Miller participated in the grand opening event.
“We are thrilled to be part of the grand opening ceremony of PA CareerLink Blair County’s new Altoona location,” Berrier, deputy secretary for safety and labor-management relations, said. “The relocation of the facility and the partnership with the library provides a convenient location and expanded resources for students and workers to access job search and training assistance.”
Berrier, Cipriani, and Miller toured PA CareerLink Blair County’s new facility, including the computer resource center where CareerLink clients can work independently or with assistance on job searches, create resumes and research agency services. PA CareerLink works to prepare job seekers to meet the needs of the global economy and to match employers with qualified and skilled candidates.
“Libraries have always been cornerstones of their communities, providing resources for the public to find jobs, training to improve skills, and instructional programs to engage learners of all ages,” Miller said. “As our communities change and evolve, libraries continue to adapt to the needs of their customers, including the needs of area employers. We’re excited to expand the services of the library through PA CareerLink.”
PAsmart, Governor Tom Wolf’s workforce development initiative, aims to create and expand job training in STEM, computer science, apprenticeships, and other programs so that workers can acquire the skills that companies need to compete in the global economy. PAsmart is expanding this year to provide $20 million for science and technology education, $10 million for career and technical education and $10 million for hands-on skills training and apprenticeships.
“For local businesses to thrive, they need access to a well-trained, job-ready workforce,” Cipriani, deputy secretary for workforce development, said. “Workers are finding good jobs and businesses are hiring talented employees through their local PA CareerLink offices. Governor Tom Wolf understands the need for a skilled workforce, which is why his PAsmart initiative is improving opportunities for career and technical training and education across Pennsylvania.”