Pennsylvania free job training and employment programs.
Most of the job programs available in Pennsylvania are funded by the federal government and its Workforce Investment Act. Individuals can access most of the services from their local CareerLink Center near them listed below. Highly trained specialists and career counselors at these sites can offer job placement and search assistance, enroll qualified clients into training, and provide a host of other services.
There are a number of free job and career services in Pennsylvania. They help single mothers, the under educated, people seeking new career skills, and countless others. Whether it is a freelance job, full or part time position, or even some form of gig job, the job centers in Pennsylvania provide assistance.
The Pennsylvania Workforce Investment Areas provide residents of all backgrounds and ages with individualized services. The various resources provided can assist people in both obtaining and also maintaining satisfactory employment. Even after you receive a new job ongoing support and case management will be available.
A Local Workforce Investment Area representative from a CareerLink site may be able to help you select an employment goal and then enroll into the correct training to achieve that over the mid to long term. You can work with your counselor to develop a comprehensive strategy so that you can find and obtain the type of job that meets your needs.
Free help in finding a job in Pennsylvania
The job placement services in Pennsylvania are provided at no cost to eligible individuals. Get help with activities such as creating and editing a resume, accessing databases for searches, and applying for jobs. Some examples of the additional employment assistance provided is as follows.
- Get personal support with performing a job search and receive free research on potential employers in Pennsylvania.
- Career counselors often have referrals and contacts with local businesses and you can build a network off of this.
- Many of the centers arrange job fairs.
- Receive contact information about employers and businesses in your county.
- Get the latest labor information about what careers are considered to be in demand in both Pennsylvania and nationwide.
- Career Centers in Pennsylvania are also great for gig workers or services. They can help with everything from small income opportunities such as online surveys to more contractor type roles. Find a description of various freelance job.
Employers also benefit from the CareerLink centers. Businesses can access their resources such as Business Support Services, Employee Recruitment Services, On-the-Job Customized Training, and Out-Placement Services. One big advantage for employers is that they can have a greater level of comfort that people who are applying from a center will have a higher skill set then others. They are also usually able to better verify this by reviewing test results.
Residents whose companies have had mass type layoffs or reductions can look into the Dislocated Worker Program. This is for individuals that have had their position terminated or have been notified of an upcoming layoff. Funding for it comes from the federal government. Outreach is provided to those impacted workers in an effort to get them reemployed as quickly as possible. Many of the solutions listed above as available and a dislocated worker in Pennsylvania may receive priority.
The SCSEP, or Senior Community Service Employment Program, can provide support to job seekers over the age of 55. Applicants need to be currently unemployed and also meet low income guidelines. They also need to be able and willing to reenter the workforce.
Pennsylvania and the federal government, using the resources available at your local job center, provide opportunities for low income residents over the age of 55 as part of SCSEP. Those who qualify may be placed into part time jobs with non-profit organizations or community groups such as schools or libraries. The candidate will gain valuable experience and learn a new skill. They may even receive some benefits or health insurance during the timeframe. The goal is to have the older worker hired on a full time basis in the near future.
Many Internet and side gig jobs are becoming more common in Pennsylvania and many states. The WorkForce Investment Act careerlink offices can be a resources for them as well. There are opportunities with social media, working from home or remotely, hobbies that can be monetized and so much more. Find more information on work from home positions for people of all backgrounds, ages, and races.
For each and every program offered in the state, priority is given to veterans. The state of Pennsylvania is dedicated and very proud to offer Priority of Services to former military members and others who are impacted by their sacrifices, such as eligible spouses. Those clients that have served in the military will be given priority by career counselor and staff at the CareerLink Centers. They will also be notified before others on positions and training opportunities that become available.
Qualified veterans can sign up for skills assessment and explore training options. Some locations will even have their staff, as resources allow, call businesses and potential employers on your behalf to learn about any openings.
Employment training
Information on training programs is available. Just a few examples of what may offered in Pennsylvania are as follows.
- Prepare and take high school equivalency exams such as the GED.
- Candidates are provided the opportunity to improve their writing, math, or reading skills, including ESL testing.
- Technical certificates can be offered, including for computer hardware and software applications.
- Some centers partner with community colleges and employers in Pennsylvania to offer additional programs and educational services, such as on the job training.
Career planning is important to getting on the correct path to self-sufficiency and an increased income.
- Assess your career interests as well as see where you stand on your current reading and math skills.
- Learn about the best jobs and careers that are suitable for you and that may be in demand from Pennsylvania businesses.
The Workforce Investment Act and the federal government provide funds to Pennsylvania to address the needs of younger workers and students as well. Teenagers, high school dropouts, recent graduates and others under the age of 21 can work with a specialist on meeting their employment needs. Specialists from CareerLink can help younger clients. Receive a free assessment, assistance in exploring career opportunities that are available in Pennsylvania, help with finding a summer job, or even information on scholarships and other government aid. Internships may be available at some of the major employers in the state.
WIA also has assistance available for the disabled in Pennsylvania. Programs available include, but are not limited to, disability assessments, vocational employment and training opportunities, and use of special equipment or computers. This can include such items as Braille machines and special computers.
Computer labs and other free training type resources are open to the general public. They are for dislocated workers, the unemployed, job seekers, and anyone in Pennsylvania that is pursuing a new opportunity or career change. Pennsylvania centers will allow people to use computers, faxes, printers, and other equipment, usually for free. Local non-profits iften hold workshops too. Phone clients can receive ongoing and follow up guidance, advice and general support in their ongoing job search efforts. Or even learn about free computer coding classes.
Locations of career and job center offices in Pennsylvania near you
Fulton County
Main address is 122 West Market Street
McConnellsburg, Pennsylvania 17233
Dial 717-485-5131
PA Career Link Carbon County
Address: 69 Broadway
Jim Thorpe, PA 18229-1936
570-325-2701
PA CareerLink - Alle-Kiski
1150 5th Avenue
New Kensington, Pennsylvania 15068
724-334-8600
Beaver County
285 Beaver Valley Mall
Monaca, Pennsylvania 15061
Telephone - 724-728-4860
Butler County
112 Hollywood Drive
Butler, PA 16001
724-431-4000
Programs include free job search assistance, information on training, part time for seniors and more.
Erie County
Location of the center is 155 West 8th Street
Erie, PA 16501
814-455-9966
Huntingdon County
54 Pennsylvania Avenue
Huntingdon, PA 16652-1299
Telephone - 814-641-6408
PA CareerLink - Lebanon County
43 Schneider Drive
Lebanon, Pennsylvania 17046-4875
Call 717-274-2554
Adams County
Main address is 150 V-Twin Drive
Gettysburg, PA 17325
Dial the center at 717-334-1173
PA CareerLink Allegheny East
Main address is 2040 Ardmore Boulevard
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15221
412-436-2225
Allegheny West
60 and Park Manor Drive
Pittsburgh, PA 15205
Main number is 412-809-3500
Armstrong County
Address of job center - 314 South Water Street
Kittanning, PA 16201
Telephone - 724-548-5693
Bedford County - CareerLink Center
1 Corporate Drive
Bedford, PA 15522
Telephone number - 814-623-6107
CareerLink Berks County
501 Crescent Avenue
Reading, PA 19605-3050
Dial 610-988-1300
Blair County
Location is 3001 Fairway Drive
Altoona, Pennsylvania 16602
Dial 814-940-6201
PA CareerLink Bucks County - Bristol
Main address is 1260 Veterans Highway
Bristol, PA 19007
Call 215-781-1073
Job center at Cambria County
Address: 445 Schoolhouse Road
Johnstown, PA 15904
Telephone number - 814-533-2493
PA CareerLink Capitol Region
Address is 100 N. Cameron Street
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17101
Call 717-783-3270
Call for information on employment services, most of which are free.
Centre County at State College
Location is 1300 Benner Pike
State College, PA 16801
Call 814-272-5465 for intake.
Chester County - CareerLink
Main address is 250 East Harmony Street
Coatesville, PA 19320-5409
610-384-9393
PA CareerLink Clarion County
Main address is 627 Wood St.
Clarion, Pennsylvania 16214
Dial 814-223-1550 to reach the center and get information.
Clearfield County @ Clearfield - PA CareerLink
Main address is 1125 Linden Street
Clearfield, PA 16830
814-765-8118
Clearfield County at DuBois
20 N. Sixth Street
DuBois, Pennsylvania 15801
814-371-0250
Columbia/Montour County
Address is 415 Central Road
Bloomsburg, PA 17815
Call 570-387-6288 to speak to a counselor.
Crawford County
260 Chestnut Street
Meadville, PA 16335
814-337-5574
Cumberland County - PA CareerLink office
The facility is at 1 Alexandra Court
Carlisle, PA 17015
Dial 717-243-4431
PA CareerLink Delaware County Community College
Main address is 901 Media Line Road
Media, PA 19063
Dial the center at 610-723-1220 for hours.
Delaware County at Chester City
Main location is 701 Crosby Street
Chester, Pennsylvania 19013
610-447-3350
PA CareerLink Downtown Pittsburgh
Main address is 425 6th Avenue
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15219
412-552-7100
CareerLink Center at Elk County
245 Depot Street
St. Marys, PA 15857
814-834-2857
PA CareerLink Fayette County
Address: 135 Wayland Smith Drive
Uniontown, PA 15401
724-434-5627
Franklin County
600 Norland Avenue
Chambersburg, PA 17201-4205
Telephone: 717-264-4584
Greene County - CareerLink
Location of office - 4 West High Street
Waynesburg, PA 15370-1324
724-852-2900
Indiana County - CareerLink
300 Indian Springs Road
Indiana, Pennsylvania 15701
Main number is 724-471-7220
PA CareerLink Jefferson County
103 East Union Street
Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania 15767
Call 814-938-0504
Lackawanna County
Address is 135 Franklin Avenue
Scranton, PA 18503
Call 570-963-4671
Lancaster County
1016 North Charlotte Street
Lancaster, PA 17603-2764
717-509-5613
PA CareerLink Lehigh Valley
1601 Union Boulevard
Allentown, Pennsylvania 18109-0490
610-437-5627
Lycoming County
329 Pine Street
Williamsport, PA 17701
Main phone number is 570-601-5465
CareerLink McKean County
Address - 40 Davis Street
Bradford, PA 16701
814-363-9100 ext.13
PA CareerLink Mercer County
217 West State Street
Sharon, Pennsylvania 16146
Call the center at 724-347-9257
Mifflin County at Lewistown
6395 SR 103 North
Lewistown, Pennsylvania 17044
Call the location at 717-248-4942 ext. 171
Mon Valley - CareerLink
570 Galiffa Drive
Donora, PA 15033
Phone number is 724-379-4750
Monroe County
Office address: 2937 Route 611
Tannersville, PA 18372-0789
Call the center at 570-620-2850
Montgomery County
Address: 1855 New Hope Street
Norristown, Pennsylvania 19401-3146
610-270-3429
PA CareerLink Northumberland/Snyder/Union Counties
Address is 225 Market Street
Sunbury, PA 17801
Dial 570-988-7300 for hours and intake.
Northwest Philly office
Address: 235 West Chelten Avenue
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19144-3893
Telephone number is 267-339-0333
The center supports the unemployed and people seeking a career change in the metro area. Call for referrals and assistance.
Oil Region - CareerLink office
255 Elm Street, Suite 1
Oil City, PA 16301-1412
Call 814-678-5050
PA CareerLink Philadelphia Northeast
3210 Red Lion Road
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
215-281-1038
Philadelphia North
Main address is 990 Spring Garden Street
Philadelphia, PA 19123
Telephone number is 215-560-5465
Potter County - CareerLink
Center is at: 279 Rt 6 West
Coudersport, PA 16915
Call 814-274-9330
CareerLink office of Schuylkill County
Address: 201 - 203 East Arch Street
Pottsville, Pennsylvania 17901
Telephone number is 570-622-5253
Somerset County
218 North Kimberly Avenue
Somerset, Pennsylvania 15501-1461
Dial 814-445-4161 for hours.
Tioga County
Main number is 56 Plaza Lane
Wellsboro, PA 16901-1763
Dial 570-724-1939
PA CareerLink Warren County
24 Market Street
Warren, Pennsylvania 16365-2540
814-723-2350
PA CareerLink Washington County
Address: 90 West Chestnut Street
Washington, Pennsylvania 15301
Telephone number - 724-223-4500
Westmoreland County at Youngwood CareerLink job center
151 Pavillion Lane
Youngwood, PA 15697-1814
724-755-2330
PA CareerLink York County
841 Vogelsong Road
York, PA 17404-0868
Call 717-767-7600
Clinton County
8 North Grove Street
Lock Haven, PA 17745
Main number is 570-893-4022
PA CareerLink Luzerne County at Hazleton Center
75 North Laurel Street
Hazleton, Pennsylvania 18201
570-459-3854
Call for information on job training and resume review, among other services.
Luzerne County at Wilkes-Barre
32 East Union Street
Wilkes Barre, PA 18711
Dial 570-822-1101 Ext: 3057 for intake.
Pennsylvania CareerLink Lawrence County
102 Margaret Street
New Castle, Pennsylvania 16101
724-656-3165 ext 221
Suburban Station PA CareerLink
Location - 1617 JFK Boulevard
Philadelphia, PA 19103
215-557-2592
Wayne County
314 10th Street
Honesdale, PA 18431
Main number is 570-253-1163
Eastside Neighborhood Employment Center
5321 Penn Avenue
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15224
Phone - 412-362-8580
Residents of the county, including veterans and the unemployed, can receive job search assistance, information on training, and other support from this center.
Elk County Workforce Development Office
651 Montmorenci Road
Ridgway, PA 15853
Call 814-773-3162
Forbes Road Career & Technology Center
Stop by the center at 607 Beatty Road
Monroeville, Pennsylvania 15146
Telephone - 412-373-8100
Bradford/Sullivan Counties
312 Main Street
Towanda, PA 18848-1844
Main number is 570-265-2171
PA CareerLink Wyoming County
99 Bridge St.
Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania 18657-9803
Telephone number - 570-836-6840
Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania
118 52nd Street
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15201
Call 412-632-1711
Pike County Workforce Development Agency
Location is 837 Route 6
Shohola, PA 18458
570-296-2909
Somerset County Office of Veterans Services
Address: 300 North Center Avenue
Somerset, Pennsylvania 15501
Main number is 814-445-1551
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