Job Training, Career Readiness Discussed By PA Labor & Industry Secretary In Bucks County

September 11, 2018

Bucks County Workforce Development Board Director John Flanagan with Secretary Jerry Oleksiak.
Credit: Submitted

Last Friday, Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry Secretary Jerry Oleksiak visited PA CareerLink Bucks County in Bristol Township to talk about job training and career readiness initiatives.

Upper Southampton-based electronics manufacturer IMET Corporation spoke of hiring employees through PA CareerLink Bucks County, which has led to 10 referred job candidates to the company. The firm has also used its training program.

“Manufacturers in the United States face many challenges of which two come to mind on a daily basis: managing cash flow and finding skilled workers,” said Tom Kroll, president, IMET Corporation. “IMET has been able to utilize the services of PA CareerLink Bucks County to find solid employees. The high quality of the candidates allows them to start contributing immediately.

IMET is currently seeking employees to fill machine operator, electronic assembler, and a quality control inspector positions.

Oleksiak said programs like PA CareerLink can be a “very effective one-stop shop for Pennsylvania job seekers and employers.”

“To help with training costs, IMET has been able to take advantage of the [On The Job Training] program, which pays half of a new, eligible employees’ wages for a limited period of time. This arrangement is extremely helpful for cash flow as we train while the employee is working on the shop floor,” Kroll explained.

“We are focused on providing the 21st century skills that Pennsylvanians need to obtain new jobs, change careers, or advance in their chosen career path. We assist local and regional businesses in hiring the skilled workforce they need to stay competitive,” said Bucks County Workforce Development Board Director John Flanagan.

Democratic State Rep. Tina Davis of Bristol Township was also present for the event and spoke of PA CareerLink Bucks County’s benefits.

Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry officials said Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf has launched an initiative to cut red tape and invest $30 million in STEM and computer science learning and job training.