Senator Fontana poses for a photo with attendees at the West End Skills for Success workshop series. The West End workshop was the 4th FREE workshop in the series offered by Senator Fontana in cooperation with the Carnegie Library. Skills for Success: The Fontana Series provides workshops and career tools for job seekers to give constituents an opportunity to learn the ins and outs of the job searching process.

Skills for Success: The Fontana Series

As you are likely aware, I have sponsored a series of seven career workshops that are providing tools for job seekers and giving constituents an opportunity to learn the ins and outs of the job searching process. It’s not too late to take advantage of this FREE workshop – two more dates are available:

Individuals interested in attending can register online at www.clpgh.org (search Events using keyword “Fontana”) or by calling 412-281-7141, extension 2102.

I have taken every opportunity to attend these sessions myself and have had the opportunity to talk with the attendees as well. Each of them has come away with a renewed sense of optimism about their ability to secure a job that meets their needs. They also are more confident because of the interaction with the presenters and the knowledge that the materials they received will allow them to have a leg-up in a very competitive process of finding a job.

The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s presenters are Rachel Masilamani and Georgina Deming. The two have over 10 years combined experience assisting library visitors with job hunting and offer attendees unique instruction on resume writing, the importance of a quality cover letter, best practices for online job searching, and how to enhance networking ability to connect with potential employers. Additionally, individuals take a self-assessment test to help match skills and interests with available jobs and participate in mock interviews.

Upcoming Job Fairs

On Saturday, November 5th and Sunday, November 6th, the Mall at Robinson will host a Seasonal Employee Job Fair from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Food Court.

On Tuesday, November 15th, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Emmaus Community of Pittsburgh and Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC), in conjunction with other human service providers in the region will host a Human Services Job Fair. More than 30 agencies with both full and part-time positions will participate at the event being held at the IBEW Building (South Side), Five Hot Metal Street, Pittsburgh 15203. For more information, contact Jennifer Pavlisko at 412-381-0277.

Support for Military Veterans & Military Spouses

Last month, the American Logistics Association (ALA) announced its intent to hire 25,000 veterans and military spouses by the end of 2013. The ALA includes major manufacturers such as Tyson Foods, Coca-Cola, Unilever and ConAgra, along with a multitude of specialty suppliers. The association will be teaming up with several on-going employment programs including the Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP) and the Chamber of Commerce’s Hiring Our Heroes Program.

Campaign for Disability Employment

Did you know that people with disabilities currently have the highest unemployment rate of any minority group within our commonwealth? The Campaign for Disability Employment heightens awareness of the need to hire persons with disabilities in the competitive open labor market. In addition to resources for employers and individuals who want to act as a mentor, there are also a variety of online resources available to individuals with disabilities who are seeking a job.

Locally, the Greater Pittsburgh Supported Employment Association offers supported employment opportunities for those with severe disabilities. For more information, call them at 412-374-9052 or e-mail info@gpsea.org.

The Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (Search OVR in keyword search) also offers employment services for disabled persons. You can also call them at 412-392-4950.

PA Professional Employment Network

The Pennsylvania Professional Employment Network (PAPEN) is a non-profit, Pittsburgh-based networking organization that helps participants advance their careers. Started in 1992 as a networking group for unemployed white collar workers, today’s PAPEN focuses on career advancement for everyone.

If you are an unemployed but experienced worker in a professional, managerial, or technical field, you could benefit by becoming a member of PAPEN. PAPEN has 1,700 members and holds weekly meetings to discuss job leads, host networking events and feature guest speakers that speak about the marketplace and offer advice on how best to land a position suitable to the individual.

To learn about membership in PAPEN, visit their web site, www.papen.us or utilize their contact list to speak with a board member or chapter director.

Pittsburgh Career Connector

If you are looking for a career in technology, the Pittsburgh Career Connector is a great place to visit. Presented by the Pittsburgh Technology Council, Pittsburgh Career Connector helps connect employers with job seekers. Whether a recent college graduate or a seasoned professional, this site is a must for individuals looking for opportunities in technology. Recent job postings, industry news happenings, upcoming networking events, and a listing of regional job fairs can all be found by visiting http://pghcareerconnector.com/.

Additional Resources for Training & Employment

There are any number of organizations and services designed to help you find a job that is right for you by offering job search tools and assistance with job placements. Some also help prepare you for employment, providing job preparation workshops, resume assistance, and more. Some programs provide internships or job training programs – take a look at what they have to offer:

Americorps offers job/internship opportunities for high school and college graduates all over the United States. The one-year terms include money for education or vocational training, healthcare, childcare assistance, and more. For more information, call 1-800-942-2677 (Press “1” for an application or “0” to speak to a specialist) or e-mail questions@americorps.org.

Bidwell Training Center offers training programs in culinary arts, office technology, horticulture, and various medical fields, while also provsiding academic and support services. For more information, call 412-323-4000 or 1-800-516-1800 and ask for an admissions representative, or e-mail admissions@mcg-btc.org.

The 'Burgh Works is a Pittsburgh Jobs Blog which informs area jobseekers and recruiters about Pittsburgh job news, advice, and happenings concerning the job market – especially for hourly, entry-level or mid-level skill positions. Includes links to several job search sites and tools.

The Hill House Family and Workforce Development office offers services including job placement, readiness, and preparation as well as career/employment development programs and more. You can also contact them at 412-392-4410.

Locally, the Pittsburgh Employment Guide is a website with an easy job search tool, news about local job fairs, and information on who’s hiring in the greater Pittsburgh area. Sign up for a free “Job Seeker” account, with which you can quickly apply for jobs online.

The PennsylvaniaJobs.com website offers a job search tool, information on job fairs and employment events, and more. Users can create a personal “My Jobs Site,” submit a resume, and get in touch with potential employers.

The Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh’s Employment, Training and Economic Empowerment Department provides job counseling, placement services, resume assistance, interview advice, online job searches, diversity job fairs, and more to increase opportunities for African Americans and other people of color. You can contact them directly at 412-227-4802.

The YWCA Greater Pittsburgh offers financial literacy trainings and other information/resources to women seeking greater financial independence and security, including workshops on wealth-development strategies, and more. You can contact them directly at 412-391-5100.

Immediate Job Openings

Neighborhood Learning Alliance

Pittsburgh CONNECTS is seeking candidates for the position of Employment Outreach Associate. This position provides support for the Eastside Neighborhood Employment Center to implement the employment component of the Pittsburgh CONNECTS lab. The associate will assist clients with computer use and employment resources. This position also includes managing and organizing recruitment and marketing efforts for each of the initiatives, networking with regional leaders and local businesses to secure new employment opportunities, and utilizes and updates database system for clients and employers. To apply for the position of Employment Outreach Associate, please send a resume and cover letter to Rflanag@aol.com and for any questions about the position, please call 412-362-8580.

The Neighborhood Alliance is also seeking Site Coordinators for their Community LEARNS program. This position will coordinate the delivery of the educational services, employment services, mentoring, case management, and social and recreational programming of the Community LEARNS program. Positions are available working with students at Pittsburgh Brashear, Pittsburgh Peabody, Pittsburgh Schenley at Reizenstein and Pittsburgh Westinghouse. Anyone interested in applying for one of these positions should send their resumes to Steve MacIsaac, Executive Director at macisaac2@neighborhoodlearning.org.

Seasonal Opportunities Available

With the holiday shopping season approaching, many businesses and retailers are looking for seasonal workers. Recent announcements were made by Macy’s Department Stores (hiring 78,000 seasonal workers), Toys “R” Us (hiring 40,000 seasonal workers) and FedEx (hiring 20,000 seasonal workers). Sears and J.C. Penney are two other companies seeking seasonal workers.

Buckle (South Hills Village)

Buckle, a casual apparel, footwear, and accessories store for men and women is looking for seasonal employees at their South Hills Village location. Please visit their website to apply.