Pennsylvania Department of Aging

06/29/2022 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 06/29/2022 14:10

Department of Labor & Industry Secretary Visits 'Hire A Hero' Job Fair for Veterans at PA CareerLink® Delaware County

​Chester, PA - Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) Secretary Jennifer Berrier reinforced the department's commitment to serving the employment needs of veterans with a visit Wednesday to a Delaware County PA CareerLink® that hosted a "Hire a Hero" event designed to help veterans connect with employers offering job opportunities.

"I am always encouraged to see Pennsylvania employers recognize the wealth of life and professional experience that veterans bring to the table in any job or industry," Secretary Berrier said. "I congratulate the Delaware County PA CareerLink® and all workforce organizations that recognize the importance of facilitating connections between employers and veterans in the workforce. These efforts strengthen families, businesses, communities, and the commonwealth as a whole."

In March, the Wolf Administration announced $800,000 in state funding to four workforce development projects -- including two serving veterans in Delaware County -- as part of the Veterans Employment Program (VEP), helping to connect veterans with job opportunities and employment support in Pennsylvania counties with high unemployment rates for veterans. Grants were awarded through L&I using Industry Partnership and Reemployment funds.

More than a dozen employers attended Wednesday's job fair.

"Delaware County PA CareerLink® works with our Veterans Affairs Office, employers, and partners to connect veterans to meaningful, mission-driven careers, not just any job. Veterans have so many skills and experiences that our local employers need. With funding from L&I, the PA CareerLink® makes that connection," said Kate McGeever, executive director, Delaware County Workforce Development Board.

PA CareerLink® prepares Pennsylvanians to meet the needs of businesses and matches employers with qualified, skilled candidates. Some of the free career-building and other services provided include:

  • Resume building/posting/submitting workshops
  • Mock interviews
  • Job search and training assistance
  • Adult education classes and workshops
  • Career fairs
  • Referral services to partners

PA CareerLink® also has more than 5,000 free unique virtual training modules available through SkillUp® PA to help anyone in the commonwealth gain new skills and advance their careers.

L&I launched SkillUp® PA in August 2021 to give Pennsylvania workers and employers access to a diverse menu of online courses to build skills in accounting/finance, clerical work, customer service, information technology, marketing, soft skills like communication and time management, and much more.

SkillUp® offers a flexible, self-directed e-learning service that gives job seekers the opportunity to manage their own training with the goal of improving their marketability to prospective employers. This includes access to free curriculum to obtain industry-recognized credentials, including CompTIA, Cybersecurity, Project Management, Human Resources, Microsoft Office Specialist and more.

To access SkillUp®, register for a free account online with PA CareerLink®.

MEDIA CONTACT: Alex Peterson, [email protected]

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