Bucks Workonomics: October 2022 Issue

Close up image of hands holding a paper cutout of people representing diverse careers and with the message to invest in people

COUNTY OF BUCKS | DEPARTMENT OF WORKFORCE & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT | OCT 2022 ISSUE

A MESSAGE FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

As employers across the nation are trying to fill more jobs than ever, and employees are seeking jobs offering family-sustaining wages, PA CareerLink® Bucks County recently relocated its one-stop career center to a newly renovated and more accessible facility in Trevose.

On September 28, PA CareerLink® Bucks County hosted a grand opening ceremony to celebrate its new location and the many services offered at no cost to our community. The one-stop career center is positioned as the leading source of employment connections, information, resources and opportunities for Bucks County job seekers and employers. Bucks County boasts job opportunities at all levels and in a wide variety of fields and industries. On behalf of the Bucks County Workforce Development Board and the Department of Workforce & Economic Development (WED), I am thrilled to welcome the community to PA CareerLink® Bucks County’s new location in the heart of Lower Bucks, which offers a full range of services for the county’s workforce under one roof.

October ascribes many notable observances, including Manufacturing Week beginning on the 7th and National Disabilities Employment Awareness throughout the month. WED is pleased to expand critical workforce resources that increase inclusive employment opportunities across in-demand industries in Bucks County every day.

Thank you for being part of our dynamic community. I hope to see you this fall at the upcoming events listed in this month's issue. If you haven't had a chance to visit the PA CareerLink® Bucks County's new location, please stop by and say hello to our dedicated team, who will connect you with workforce tools for success.

Sincerely,

Billie F. Barnes

UPCOMING EVENTS

WORKFORCE & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT NEWS

Secretary Jennifer Berrier joins Executive Director Billie Barnes with Commissioners Harvie and DiGirolamo alongside board members and partners at the PACL Grand Opening on September 28

L&I celebrates reopening of Bucks County PA CareerLink®, highlights vital employment services for Pennsylvania job seekers

Commissioner Harvie stands at a podium to provide a welcome

Commissioner Harvie to represent Bucks County at White House

Two employees tour manufacturing facility with a visitor

Wolf Administration celebrates investments in PA’s manufacturing industry during Bucks County business tours

Hub Service Navigators standing in front of the Administration Building in Doylestown

Human Services Hub navigators setting up shop in Lower Bucks offices

WORKFORCE HIGHLIGHTS

PA CareerLink® Bucks County Celebrates Grand Opening of One-Stop Career Center

Hundreds of job seekers, employers and residents attended the grand opening ceremony held on Wednesday, September 28, 2022, featuring a multi-industry job fair and guided tours of the newly renovated building, which will host workshops and events, and serve as the “go-to” place for all things related to job search, training and business engagement in Bucks County.

Now centrally located at Bucks County Technology Park on 4800 E. Street Road, Suite 50, PA CareerLink® Bucks County features front-door service for riders of SEPTA’s Route 14 bus, is nearby SEPTA’s Trevose Station and within one mile of I-95, the PA Turnpike and Route 1.

View the Grand Opening photo album and watch a TikTok video with a special message from Commissioner Bob Harvie.

Career Seeker Success Story: Virginia

In March of 2022, Virginia attended a CareerLink® Virtual General Orientation Workshop after her dislocation from Sweeping Corporation of America, where she was an Administrative Assistant. After the orientation, Virginia enrolled in the WIOA program, hoping to work with a career counselor and return to work. She enjoyed her previous employment, and her goal was to re-enter the workforce in the business detail industry.

After a review of the services and resources by her Career Counselor, she decided that an On-the-Job Training (OJT) opportunity best addressed her short-term goals.

WORKFORCE PARTNERSHIPS IN ACTION

Registered Apprenticeship: Funding Learning & Development

Southeast Pennsylvania is teeming with opportunities for employers to offer Registered Apprenticeships in new areas, like Education, Cybersecurity, Manufacturing, and Human Resources, to name a few. Skilled Trades and Construction also offer great opportunities. Registered Apprenticeship provides learning and development to grow a workforce. PA CareerLink® helps businesses afford this growth with local funding. The Local WIOA Funding for Registered Apprenticeship one-page guide is available to help our business community navigate this important funding.

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month! Apprenticeship enables companies to be inclusive of employees' abilities and learning differences. For people entering the workforce who learn differently, ongoing learning and development in a hands-on atmosphere is part and parcel of Registered Apprenticeship and part of what makes it so dynamic. Businesses interested in incorporating Registered Apprenticeships to train employees with a variety of learning styles are encouraged to contact Adina Tayar, Regional Apprenticeship Coordinator, for help creating a program. Career seekers can contact PA CareerLink® Bucks County for Registered Apprenticeship employment opportunities.

SAVE-THE-DATE: National Apprenticeship Week is November 14-18, 2022. Check back next month for recommendations about exciting National Apprenticeship Week local webinars and in-person activities.