3RWIB, Simcoach Games partner on video game to connect job seekers to tech-fields

Three Rivers Workforce Investment Board (3RWIB) and Simcoach Games proudly announce the release of a video game aimed to expose and connect people to potential careers in the region's technology-related fields.

Called Booeys: A Ghost's Code, the game invites players to solve a series of complex puzzles with increasing difficulty that ultimately gauge five aptitudes critical to technical careers: problem solving; logic; attention to detail; understanding algorithms; and the ability to conceive and build a solution. The games are free and available to download from Google Play, iTunes, and Amazon Marketplace.

"Booeys can help any job seeker identify their strengths and realize their potential for the field. More, players can connect with free training to get on the path to a solid future," said Stefani Pashman, 3RWIB CEO. "With video gaming, we are reaching people — particularly young people — where they are and giving them new ways to receive the tools, skills and confidence they need to take that step to join and succeed in tech occupations."

Booeys is a part of 3RWIB's TechHire Pittsburgh initiative, a public-private collaborative aimed to serve untapped pools of talent and bridge the digital skills divide by using career pathways to connect job seekers, workers, and students to opportunities in tech-related fields.

Partners in the TechHire initiative also include the Allegheny Conference on Community Development, PA CareerLink Pittsburgh/Allegheny County, Allegheny County, the City of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Education, other workforce development boards in Southwestern PA, and an employer-led advisory group.

"Part of the Simcoach Skill Arcade, Booeys exemplifies our mission of empowering job seekers to explore, experience and connect to career opportunities through video games, said Jessica Trybus, Simcoach Games CEO. "Booeys is reaching young people who may not yet be aware of their potential abilities for technical fields, in a way that is fun and encouraging. Short, relevant experiences that reward success – these types of games are exactly how you engage with the next generation of workforce."

• Google Play
• iTunes
• Amazon Marketplace

Contact: Jen Pajewski, 3 Rivers Workforce Investment Board
Phone: 412-552-7098
E-mail: jpajewski@trwib.org
Web: www.trwib.org

Contact: Anthony Zabiegalski, Simcoach Games
Phone: 1-866-744-7414
Email: azabiegalski@simcoachgames.com
Web: www.simcoachgames.com

About Three Rivers Workforce Investment Board
Nationally recognized for innovation, the Three Rivers Workforce Investment Board (3RWIB) delivers workforce solutions for Pittsburgh and Allegheny County to ensure that the current and future needs of businesses and job seekers are met. As stewards of more than $12 million in public and private workforce funds, 3RWIB oversees and funds workforce programs for adults, dislocated workers and youth; educates the community through robust labor market analytics; and implements innovation solutions to the region's systemic workforce challenges. 3RWIB bridges the gap between people looking for work and companies in need of talent. More information is available at www.trwib.org.

About Simcoach Games
A spinout of Carnegie Mellon, Simcoach Games has been a leader in game-based learning since 2005. The company's innovative platform, the Simcoach Skill Arcade, empowers job seekers to explore potential careers, to learn and practice relevant skills, and to connect with employers. When users play the various microgames offered in the Skill Arcade, employers gain access to a pool of motivated, capable workers. For more information, visit www.simcoachskillarcade.com.