Alcoa Foundation partner supports jobseekers in Pittsburgh

Demonstrating a joint commitment to workforce development, Alcoa Foundation’s partnership with Auberle’s Employment Institute in Pittsburgh, PA is helping Pennsylvanians overcome employment barriers and obtain the skills needed to find sustainable work.

The Employment Institute collaborates with employers in the region to identify chronically unfilled, yet good-paying career positions and designs training programs to help jobseekers obtain those roles. In addition, the Institute considers the whole person to create customized support plans that includes access to a range of services to further remove barriers facing jobseekers. At least 90 individuals are expected to be reached over the course of the program.

“Alcoa Foundation is a longtime supporter of education and skill building opportunities, especially in Alcoa’s hometown of Pittsburgh” Robyn Gross, Director of Transformation at Alcoa explained. “We are proud to work with partners like Auberle to help individuals unlock their full potential and contribute to a more vibrant community.”

Through the partnership, individuals have reached important milestones in their professional journeys such as obtaining critical skills or helpful certifications to enhance their career prospects.

“Auberle is deeply appreciative of the support of the Alcoa Foundation,” said Abby Wolensky, Director of the Employment Institute. “Not only does Alcoa Foundation support our program model of building pipelines to sustainable wage employment opportunities in Southwestern Pennsylvania, but the support also provides the opportunity for our participants to maintain their employment, breaking cycles of socioeconomic distress in the communities we serve," she added. “We are deeply appreciative of this partnership.”

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With a Customer Service Certification in hand, Isaiah was hired by a local hospital system and recently named Employee of the Month.

Participants Jamelia (pictured left) and Kajha (pictured right) were recognized as Employment Institute participants of the year at Auberle’s Annual All-Star Banquet, an evening where Auberle recognizes the accomplishments of participants across its 20+ programs. Jamelia used the Employment Institute training to earn work with a local hospital system. Kajha, a recent high school graduate, earned a full scholarship to a local university this fall.