The Central Pennsylvania Workforce Development Corporation (CPWDC) was able to support this program, valued at $2,500 per person, at no cost to the job seekers through a grant received from the PA Department of Labor and Industry utilizing funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The program is endorsed by Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc, Central Pennsylvania Chapter.

Over several weeks, participants moved through a series of activities to develop skills and knowledge required for construction employment or additional training in the construction industry. In addition to career coaching provided by PA CareerLink^® staff, the following instructors conducted industry-relevant classroom training to assist the job seekers:

• Dave Remick, President of Associated Builders and Contractors, Central Pennsylvania Chapter
• Wayne Sheppard, Assistant Professor of Construction Management at the Pennsylvania College of Technology, and
• Craig Shaffer, President of Safety Works, Inc.

Graduates earned nationally-recognized NCCER (National Center for Construction Education and Research) credentials by completing modules in Introduction to Blueprints, Introduction to Construction Math and Your Role in the Green Environment. Additionally, each graduate earned a National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC) by taking WorkKeys^® assessments in Applied Mathematics, Locating Information and Reading for Information. The NCRC assists job seekers in demonstrating workplace skills needed to succeed in the job.

FIT 4 Careers programs are elite, intense learning sessions with strict requirements that demand defined soft skill behaviors, such as 100% on time attendance, to attain graduation. A high attrition rate is expected as participants learn more about the realities of the industry. Eight (8) participants graduated this session from a starting class of 24. Because the graduates have demonstrated a commitment to the program and increased their skills, they participated in an “invitation-only” networking fair with 7 local employers immediately following the ceremony.

An Information Session for FIT 4 Health Care will be held at the PA CareerLink^® Northumberland/Snyder/Union Counties on April 18th at 10 am. For more information, please call 988-7300. Additional FIT 4 Careers programs are scheduled for other PA CareerLink^® locations between now and June 30, 2012. Click here to learn more or visit your local PA CareerLink^® office (Click here for locations).

Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Equal Opportunity Employer.

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MacBride explained that Smith’s workforce experience and knowledge of Central Pennsylvania made her the winning candidate in the national search. “The 41-member Board of Directors of the CPWDC is confident in Smith’s leadership and vision for the organization. She understands the operations, the policy and the key players in the workforce development arena. During her tenure, Smith has been critical in expanding CPWDC’s strategic portfolio by securing millions of dollars in competitive grants and developing CPWDC’s internal research department which provides labor market support to other workforce investment areas, economic developers and employers.”

Smith intends to position CPWDC as the visible leader in cultivating a regional conversation about workforce issues. “In addition to the important oversight we provide to the region’s six PA CareerLink^® facilities, CPWDC has expertise and dedicated staff to be a key partner in planning, executing and evaluating workforce solutions. I am excited to build on the organization’s strong foundation and relationships with many local and regional partners”, Smith stated. Regardless of economic conditions, the importance of having a qualified workforce never goes away. Smith and her team will continue to think critically about the next generation of workforce development.

CPWDC serves as the local Workforce Investment Board (WIB) for Centre, Clinton, Columbia, Lycoming, Mifflin, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder and Union Counties. CPWDC, incorporated in 1999, is responsible for coordinating and developing Central Pennsylvania’s workforce system. CPWDC is one of 22 local WIBs across the Commonwealth.

Smith is a graduate of Middleburg High School, Shippensburg University and Virginia Tech, where she earned her Master’s degree in Public Administration. Smith resides with her family in Union County.

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The LEO Board works in tandem with the Central Pennsylvania Workforce Investment Board (WIB),
incorporated as the Central Pennsylvania Workforce Development Corporation (CPWDC), a 501c3 nonprofit
organization, to oversee the regional public workforce system, including six strategically located PA
CareerLink^® facilities.

Otis Riden, Mifflin County Commissioner since 2006, was elected by his peers to serve a two-year term
as the Chairman of the LEO Board. Riden, a lifelong resident of Mifflin County, had a 40-year career with
New Holland, one of the largest farm machinery manufacturers in the world. Upon assuming this role as
LEO Board Chairman, Riden stated, “I am honored to serve in this capacity and look forward to working
closely with my fellow LEO Board members; WIB leadership Teri MacBride, Chair, and Dave Zartman,
Vice Chair; and CPWDC staff to promote, support and strengthen efforts to increase the employability of
the region’s workforce. Combining the expertise of public and private sector representatives allows the
system to be responsive to the needs of employers while maintaining accountability.”

Also elected during the reorganizational meeting were LEO Vice Chairman Dave Kovach, Columbia
County and LEO Second Vice Chairman, Robert “Pete” Smeltz, Clinton County.

The LEO Board plays a critical role in appointing qualified individuals, the majority of which are key
decision makers in private businesses, to serve on the Workforce Investment Board. The LEO Board also
provides oversight of CPWDC’s $13.5 million budget, which includes Workforce Investment Act,
Department of Public Welfare and competitive grant funds to meet the workforce needs of job seekers
and employers.

About CPWDC
CPWDC’s mission is to be the leading vehicle for regional unification, coordination, integration and
alignment of workforce activities, resources and initiatives to support economic sustainability, improve
education systems and develop and retain a quality labor force in Central Pennsylvania. For more
information on CPWDC, including information on qualifications for prospective WIB members, visit
www.cpwdc.org.

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Click here to view a PDF version of the press release.