About Us
About Us
What is PA CareerLink®?
PA CareerLink® is the brand name for Pennsylvania’s One-Stop workforce development system. PA CareerLink® Berks County was established in 1999 and operates today under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014. We are also part of the American Job Center Network, as branded by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Mission
PA CareerLink® Berks County provides high-quality, value-added services to our customers, employers and jobseekers. Our mission is to meet our customers’ needs, exceed their expectations and achieve organizational outcomes as set for us by funding sources, the Berks County Workforce Development Board and defined by our own measures of success.
Mission
PA CareerLink® Berks County provides high-quality, value-added services to our customers, employers and jobseekers. Our mission is to meet our customers’ needs, exceed their expectations and achieve organizational outcomes as set for us by funding sources, the Berks County Workforce Development Board and defined by our own measures of success.
Our Partners
The Partners have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Berks County Workforce Development Board affirming their alliance to provide workforce development services to the employers and jobseekers of Berks County and to support the PA CareerLink® Berks County office.
PA Department of Labor & Industry, Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR)
The Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) provides vocational rehabilitation services to help persons with disabilities prepare for, enter into, retain or advance in employment. Applicants must meet eligibility criteria and may receive a variety of services including but not limited to assessments, vocational counseling, job development, restoration services, assistive technology, academic/vocational/on-the-job training, job coaching and Pre-Employment Transition Services to high school students with disabilities. OVR also offers Business Services such as disability awareness training, accessibility analysis, accommodation solutions and talent acquisition.
Reading Area Community College (RACC)
Reading Area Community College (RACC) is an accredited, comprehensive, open-enrollment education institution that provides the following: Associate degree, Certificate and Diploma Programs; career-focused training; transitional coursework; skills training for business and industry; personal enrichment programs and public service activities. Sponsored by the Berks County Commissioners the College provides affordable access to meet identified community educational needs.
Adult Basic Education classes at RACC offer basic reading, writing, and math instruction to adults who are in need of preparing to pass the high school equivalency test, enter college and or career training, and the workforce. RACC also offers free non-credit English for Second Language Learners (ESL) classes.
- Programs of Study https://catalog.racc.edu/content.php?catoid=14&navoid=519
- Online Programs https://www.racc.edu/academics/online-learning
- Adult Literacy Programs https://www.racc.edu/academics/literacy-programs
- Career and Technical Education https://www.racc.edu/services/perkins
Berks Connections/Pretrial Services (BCPS)
Berks Connections/Pretrial Services (BCPS) provides workforce development services including job search and placement to individuals with current and past justice system involvement. BCPS operates Rebuilding Reentrants & Reading (R3), a registered pre-apprenticeship program in the construction trades. BCPS also operates the Pardon Project of Berks County which seeks to assist individuals with a criminal record, who have served their sentence (including probation and parole) and are seeking a pardon of their records.
United Community Services (UCS): Youth Build
UCS YouthBuild is a 6-month education and training program for young adults ages 17-24. Students prepare for the GED, gain work experience through construction, earn industry-recognized credentials such as MC3, OSHA-10, and CPR, and participate in career exploration and planning towards a family-sustaining career path.
United Community Services (UCS): Rapid Response for Dislocated Workers
Through the partnership of the AFL-CIO and the United Way, United Community Services is a member of the local Rapid Response Unit. Rapid Response is an early intervention service that assists workers and employers affected by layoffs, plant closures, or natural disasters. The Rapid Response team also includes representatives from the PA Bureau of Workplace Development, PA Office of Unemployment Compensation, PA CareerLink system, and PA Health Access Network. The team provides information and resources to help meet the wide-ranging needs of the dislocated workers as they begin to recreate their lives. The role of UCS is to provide information and links to community resources that assist workers and their families in developing a plan for rebuilding their future.
PA Department of Labor & Industry, Bureau of Workforce Partnership and Operations
PA Department of Labor & Industry, Office of Unemployment Compensation Centers
The Office of Unemployment Compensation Service Centers mission is to help our citizens financially until they find other employment or are back to working full time hours. If you are not working due to a lack of work with an employer, been discharged or quit your job; you may file for Unemployment Compensation. You must be financially eligible and have a valid separation from your employer to qualify for benefits. Please visit us at uc.pa.gov to file a new application for benefits, reopen an existing claim, file a bi-weekly claim, view your payments or change your personal information.
PA Department of Human Services
AARP Foundation: Senior Community Service Employment Program
PathStone Corporation: National Farmworkers Jobs Program
PA Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED): Berks Community Action Program
