Johnstown Area Regional Industries helps job seekers with workplace development program

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. (WTAJ) — A new type of continuing education opportunity is taking place at the Oakhurst Youth Education and Recreation Center — one that focuses less on textbooks and tests and more on skills necessary for success in the workplace.

Johnstown Area Regional Industries (JARI) created the program earlier in the year to help set those on a job hunt up for success by breaking down the barriers that keep them from even landing an interview.

“A lot of the people we find are in a little bit of a rut in their life. So we give them work readiness skills, soft skills, just to get them ready, to get into that, you know, back into the groove,” said Dave Grimaldi, Director of the JARI Workforce Development program.

The program is funded in part by a Department of Labor Grant sponsored by Senator Casey, in partnership with PA CareerLink, Penn Highlands Community College and Johnstown Housing Authority. The funding helps the program do more than just teach workplace skills as it provides childcare to help people attend the classes and a way for them to get there.

“The main barriers, transportation. So as part of the grant, we purchase transportation passes so that they can get, you know, to a job interview or to one of our trainings, or you know, where they need to go to, to sit for training or employment services that they need,” Grimaldi said.

But the program will also bring employers to the participants, giving them a chance to practice interview skills and learn about potential employment opportunities before they graduate.

“As the program moves on, we’re going to have employees come visit, employers come visit us and share with their companies about– and then we take trips to employers places as well,” said Tereah Henderson, a brand ambassador for the program.

The group currently participating in the program are the second cohort after the program had a successful first cohort graduate.

“One of the graduation benefits was that two ladies, they are now currently doing an automobile, auto mechanic program, which I think is wonderful because once they graduate, they’re certified mechanics,” Henderson said.

Other program graduates are pursuing associate degrees at Penn Highlands or further career training. Some have found jobs.

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Those looking to participate in the workplace development program are invited to attend any session at the Oakhurst Youth Education and Recreation Center every Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to noon or reach out to JARI.

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