Lt. Governor Cawley Touts New Keystone Works Job-Training Initiative, Tours PA CareerLink® Lehigh Valley

HARRISBURG, Pa., July 23, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Lt. Governor Jim Cawley today visited the PA CareerLink® Lehigh Valley location and discussed Keystone Works, a new state initiative to help unemployed Pennsylvanians find jobs more quickly.

"Putting Pennsylvanians back to work is a top priority for Governor Corbett and me and that is what Keystone Works is all about. It will enable a more rapid return to work for job-seekers through employer-driven training," said Cawley.

Keystone Works will connect unemployment compensation, or UC, claimants with up to eight weeks of on-the-job training delivered by employers who have job openings they need to fill. While receiving training, claimants will continue collecting UC benefits instead of wages.

The 2012-13 state budget includes $2.5 million to provide as much as $1,500 in financial incentives for each trainee the employer hires upon completion of the program. Cawley said the state expects to save a similar amount in unemployment compensation insurance costs.

"Let's make it easier for businesses to train and hire unemployed workers and let's make it easier for the unemployed to get training and get working again. It is a common-sense approach to putting people back to work," said Cawley.

PA CareerLink provides job-search and training help to Pennsylvanians looking for work. Services include free workshops on resume writing, improving interview skills, career networking and more.

One of 66 offices across the state, the PA CareerLink Lehigh Valley location provided services to about 9,200 job-seekers and helped more than 3,500 employers find workers throughout the region in 2011.   

"CareerLink is a matchmaker, connecting job-seekers with training opportunities and ultimately with family-sustaining jobs. Keystone Works will be another arrow in their quiver to aid in the matchmaking," said Cawley.

To find a local PA CareerLink office, visit www.pacareerlink.state.pa.us.

Media contact:  Chad Saylor, 717-787-3300

SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of the Lieutenant Governor