Partner4Work joins IBM, other organizations to provide training and employment resources for job seekers, small businesses and nonprofits

Partner4Work (P4W) and other organizations are joining together with IBM to launch the Service Corps Reignite program in Pittsburgh to support businesses, job seekers and nonprofit organizations during the Covid-19 pandemic.

As part of the program, IBM Service Corps volunteers will provide personalized career development coaching to those in need and at no cost to the user. These resources will then be combined with free workshops, referrals and resume-building classes hosted by various local nonprofits and businesses.

"Even before coronavirus, it was clear that jobs are changing due to automation trends," Wayne Balta, an IBM vice president and senior IBM executive for the Pittsburgh area, said in a press release. "These disruptions require businesses, not-for-profits, and governments to make a fundamental shift in retooling the workforce. IBM Service Corps Reignite helps focus learners on cultivating practical and professional skills to meet the challenge, and helps employers grow their businesses while making their workplaces more diverse and inclusive.”

Joining P4W as part of the program are local organizations that include the Allegheny Conference on Community Development (ACCD), Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC), Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania, Hillman Family Foundations, Human Services Center Corporation (HSCC), United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania, and the Jones Day law firm.

"As the region’s businesses and job seekers recover from the economic impact caused by the Covid-19 health crisis, the nimble response of local leaders, IBM, and Jones Day to provide pathways to opportunity for businesses and job seekers is a sign of stronger days ahead," David J. Malone, president and CEO of Gateway Financial and chairman of the Partner4Work board of directors, said in the release.

Program offerings will be expanded and adapted locally to depending on the region's needs and will include information and resources related to the health care, financial services, energy and other industries. Pittsburgh is the first city in the country to partake in the program.

Those who are interested about the program can learn more on the P4W website.

According to P4W, Pittsburgh is the first city in the country to partake in the program.

“With the continuation of the Covid-19 pandemic, we know that flexible, quality training and learning tools will be the key to helping individuals reinvent their future careers while helping businesses prepare and recruit talent,” Earl Buford, CEO of Partner4Work, said in the release. “Bringing this global tool to the local market is a step in the journey toward a stronger future.”