412-464-4000
Mon Valley Initiative’s 10-week pre-employment certificate program recently began its second year.
T. Charles Howell IV, MVI director of workforce development & financial coaching, said the latest group of participants began their online classes in mid-January. The online certificate classes cover topics such as “writing resumes that win,” virtual interviewing, cultural diversity, and credit and employment. For information about the classes, call 412-464-4000, ext. 4001, or email chowell@monvalleyinitiative.com.
Although some of the individuals served by MVI’s workforce program face barriers to employment, hiring was steady through the end of 2021, and Howell expects that to continue.
“Our team has been working hard to place clients in sustainable employment opportunities,” he said.
“The COVID-19 pandemic continues to present unique challenges. Job seekers are leery of positions that expose them to the public and many are seeking work-from-home opportunities,” he said.
The strong demand for workers has also allowed participants in the workforce program to take advantage of jobs and career paths they might not have otherwise pursued, Howell said.
About 60 percent of the people who were placed in new jobs by MVI in 2021 retained their employment for six months or more, he said. Howell thanked the workforce development & financial coaching team for its efforts over the past year.
“We look forward to the challenge of identifying unique ways to help people further establish and re-establish stronger financial foundations,” Howell said.