Now in its fourth year, WorkLaunch is a series of work readiness events held each spring by JFCS Career Development Center in partnership with Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh. Each year WorkLaunch evolves its event offerings to meet the needs of the changing regional workforce. This year events will take place from March 21st through April 12th at the main branch of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh in Oakland.

Sarah Cole Welch, Director of JFCS Career Development Center, says, “WorkLaunch is designed to help job seekers in Allegheny County gain access to workforce-related information and connect to employers and resources in the area.”

This year’s WorkLaunch events include a four speaker series with panelists on specific topics: working with new technologies, beyond the 9 to 5, employment opportunities after 50, and preparing for the next step in your career, as well as a large Career & Community Resource Fair featuring over 20 Pittsburgh employers and community resources. These interactive panels will feature industry professionals such as local filmmaker Justin Murrell, recruiters and HR representatives including Amylyn Kyler of Kyler Professional Search, and other community organization members, such as Dan Wonders of North Hills Community Outreach. Participants at every WorkLaunch event will also have the opportunity to schedule a one-on-one meeting with a career counselor.

“No other area event provides job seekers with as many valuable resources to help them connect with local employers”, said Wes Roberts, Library Services Manager at Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh. “We are pleased to continue this important community event for the fourth year in a row.”

* WorkLaunch kicks off on Thursday, March 21st, from 6 p.m.to 8 p.m., with an interactive panel discussion on Working with New Technologies: discovering digital resumes, training opportunities, and how to leverage LinkedIn in your job search.

* The second speaker series panel will take place Thursday, March 28th, from 6 p.m.to 8 p.m., and discuss job opportunities Beyond the 9 to 5: including side hustles, gig economy jobs, and working in the arts.

* WorkLaunch continues on Thursday, April 4th, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., and will feature a panel on Employment Opportunities After 50: challenges of the “sandwich” generation and opportunities after retirement.

* On Thursday, April 11th, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., the final panel will cover The Next Step: how to make a successful career transition, getting a promotion, and moving up the career ladder.

WorkLaunch will culminate in a Career & Community Resource Fair on Friday, April 12th from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The WorkLaunch Career & Community Resource Fair will give participants the opportunity to connect with more than 20 area employers and community resource organizations to provide information about opportunities, services, and available resources.

“The Career & Community Resource Fair is a great opportunity for job seekers to speak one-on-one with local employers who are looking to hire,” says Robin Farabee-Siers, a career consultant with JFCS Career Development Center. Farabee-Siers also reminds those interested in attending to “Do your research and apply for positions at participating employers before the event. Make sure you bring plenty of résumés and be prepared to show employers why you’re the perfect candidate.”

Participants in this year’s Career & Community Resource Fair include Allegheny County, Amazon, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, Census Bureau, Duquesne Light, ed2Go, FedEx Ground, Giant Eagle, Global Wordsmiths, Goodwill of SWPA, PA Liquor Control Board, People’s Gas, Pittsburgh Hires Veterans, PNC Bank, University of Pittsburgh, UPMC Health Plan, and more.

WorkLaunch is made possible through the support of the United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania and The Pittsburgh Foundation. For more information, visit: carnegielibrary.org or jfcspgh.org.

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