Lancaster: On Wednesday, December 7, 2011, more than 225 Lancaster County residents graduated from Ready2Work, a workforce readiness program that is sponsored by the PA CareerLink of Lancaster County at a ceremony held at Liberty Place. Community partners include the Spanish-American Civic Association, Brightside Baptist Church, the Urban League, and Neighborhood Services.

Those graduating included Nancy Alvelo, Emmanuel Alvarez, Elizabeth Andrews, Gregory Bachman, Alicia Bachman, Amanda Barthold, Glenis Bautista, Sierra Brown, Cathy Burton, Miryam Cadillo, Sara Cayol, Hector Cuevas, Juan Diaz, Mozella Drakeford Jr., Andres Forns, Gian Geiger, Lisa Heiselman, Santa Heredia, Gina Jones, Merton Kerr II, Kathleen Kowalski, Brian Krady, Amethyst Lemoine, Bruce Long, Jacquelyn Longenecker, Ashley Loomis, Lily Luciano, Gabriela Machado, Mark Mantani, Jaslynn Martinez, Jose Martinez, Rosa Matos, Raymond Mitchell, Ines Morales, Ingrid Mora-Smith, Nikosha Norton, Jesus Ortiz, Corina Ortiz, Virgen Perez, Thomas Peters, Peter Phipps, Chelsea Reed, Alyssa Riker, Yaslinel Rivas, Bruce Robinson, Kassandra Rodriguez, Amber Roth, Ken Schmidt, Malia Schrom, Michael Simcox, Kenneth Suter, Kenny Tran, Shane Ulrich, Heather Wagner, David Wenger, Erica Yeager, Rachelle Yeager, and Claudia Yecker.

Participants completed a program that usually takes from one-six weeks which includes career counseling; assessement foundational skills; remediation in reading, mathematics, and using charts and graphs; and a review of work skills around attendance, managing conflict, working with others, being prepared for transportation and child care emergencies, managing time and money, and other important issues. Participants receive a Career Readiness Credential from the Workforce Investment Board and the Lancaster Chamber upon completion of the WorkKeys standardized test of workforce skills.

Some of the graduates have gone on to other skill training programs in construction, welding, machine operation, printing, and food safety.

Counselors with the PA CareerLink help graduates make connections with Ready2Work employers who guarantee people with the Career Readiness Certificate a job interview if their skills match jobs that might be available. The list of 35+ employers which includes manufacturers, insurance agencies, long-term care facilities, and others is diverse and grows by dozens each month.

Future classes run continuously. Contact the PA CareerLink at 717-509-5613 or 717-391-3570 (TTY) for enrollment information.

Lancaster:  As of December 2011, the PA CareerLink of Lancaster County will begin offering a variety of certifications through Metrix Learning for people who want a more formal recognition of their online learning.  The cost of the certification is included in parentheses.  Contact Martin Wubbolt, Coordinator of Assessment and Training, at the PA CareerLink (717-509-5613) for more information.

• Internet and Computing Core Certification ($85): Curriculum includes Computing Fundamentals, Key Applications, and Living Online.  For more information on IC3, click here.
• Microsoft Office Specialist ($1555): Primarly for office workers who use Microsoft Office programs including Work, Excel, Outlook, Powerpoint, Access, and Vista as a part of their job functions.
• Adobe Certified Association ($130):  ACA demonstrates basic, entry-level skills with Adobe digital media software including Photoshop, Dreamweaver, Flash, and Premier Pro.
• Microsoft Technology Associate ($115):  MTA is a new entry-level credential from Microsoft that validates essential technology knowledge in software, web, and windows development; .NET fundamentals; database administration; and networking, security, and operating system fundamentals.
• CompTIA Strata ($120): After obtaining this credential, the learner is able to identify and explain PC components, setup a basic PC workstation, conduct basic software installation, identify compatibility issues, and prevent basic security risks.
• QuickBooks Certified User ($170):  This certification provides skills which allow the learner to use every part of QuickBooks more effectively;
• Autodesk Certified User ($130):  An Autodesk Certified User is equipped with marketable 2D and 3D design skills in both academic and industry environments. 

Lancaster: On Wednesday, October 5, 2011, more than 1,600 attended the Lancaster County PA CareerLink Job Fair. Employment opportunities were represented in force by 54 employers, including Turkey Hill Dairy, American Axle & Mfg. (AAM), National Pretzel Company, Pepsi Beverage Company, Home Instead Senior Care, and many others.

Early entrance into the Job Fair was granted to the 73 Lancaster County residents that completed Ready2Work. A brief graduation was held at 8:00 am, acknowledging the accomplishment of the individuals listed below. Ready2Work provides an assessment of foundational skills; remediation in reading, mathematics, and using charts and graphs; and a review of work skills around attendance, managing conflict, working with others, being prepared for transportation and child care emergencies, managing time and money, and other important issues. Participants receive a Career Readiness Credential from the Workforce Investment Board and the Lancaster Chamber upon completion of the WorkKeys standardized test of workforce skills.

Ready2Work graduates are guaranteed interviews at select employers throughout the county. Enrollment in Ready2Work is open throughout the year by visiting the Lancaster County PA CareerLink. Contact the PA CareerLink at 717-509-5613 or 717-391-3570 (TTY) for more information about starting Ready2Work.