Jennifer Martin Named Chief Business Engagement Officer of Partner4Work 

Jennifer brings extensive experience in partnerships and workforce development, most recently serving as Vice President of Partnerships and Workforce Development at MedCerts.

In this role, Jennifer will lead Partner4Work’s business engagement strategy, helping build a more coordinated workforce ecosystem that supports business growth, expands access to quality jobs, and strengthens economic mobility across the Pittsburgh region.

Click here to learn more about the Business Engagement Office 

Sometimes the biggest workforce opportunity isn't solving one company's challenge, it's recognizing the same challenge across an entire industry. 

Today's Students Are Tomorrow's Workforce: For many businesses, building a strong workforce isn't just about filling today's open positions—it's about preparing for tomorrow's talent needs. Partner4Work helps employers connect with young people earlier, creating opportunities to introduce students to careers, industries, and workplaces before they enter the labor market.

Partner4Work announced a new partnership with The Barnes Global Advisors (TBGA) to launch the Regional Advanced Manufacturing Partnership (RAMP), an initiative aimed at strengthening the advanced manufacturing talent pipeline across the Pittsburgh region. RAMP will bring together employers, educators, and community stakeholders to develop scalable workforce strategies aligned with the needs of the industry while engaging approximately 10 advanced manufacturing companies to help co-design innovative workforce development solutions. Supported by the Richard King Mellon Foundation, the initiative combines Partner4Work’s expertise in workforce development with TBGA’s national leadership in advanced manufacturing and regional industry initiatives, including Neighborhood 91 and multiple Department of Defense-supported manufacturing programs.

Businesses interested in learning more can reach out to Mayada Christiansen: mchristiansen@partner4work.org

Partner4Work proudly celebrated the achievements of the latest Introduction to the Construction Trades cohort at the Pittsburgh Gateways Commencement Ceremony. As participants in Build the Beat—a collaborative pre-apprenticeship program developed with Live Nation, PJ Dick, and Pittsburgh Gateways Corporation—graduates received hands-on training, earned industry certifications, and gained pathways to high-demand careers. Supported through our 4Construction initiative, this program helps connect individuals to family-sustaining jobs while strengthening Pittsburgh’s construction workforce. Congratulations to the graduates and thank you to all who brought this vision to life!

Partner4Work proudly celebrates Maurice Walker, Construction Liaison, on being named one of the New Pittsburgh Courier’s 2025 Men of Excellence. Maurice is recognized for his work building equitable access to careers in the trades and supporting Pittsburgh’s future workforce. We also congratulate board member Will Allen for his outstanding leadership in business and community impact. This recognition highlights the values and vision driving Partner4Work’s mission forward. Congratulations to both honorees and all of this year’s awardees!

Ryanna and Alonna faced serious challenges this year, but thanks to the support of the Human Services Center Mon Valley’s Emerging Leaders Program—and their own determination—they’re heading to college with a clear plan. The program helped them navigate college applications, explore career paths, and stay focused during tough times. As Ryanna shared, “Without ELP, I would have been completely lost.” Their success reflects the power of guidance, persistence, and community in helping youth build strong futures.

At Partner4Work, we proudly support the Trade Institute of Pittsburgh, where determination meets opportunity. Kedeja’s journey is one of transformation—gaining confidence, earning a driver’s license, and completing training with the support of TIP’s dedicated staff. This story highlights the impact of community, encouragement, and access to tools that empower individuals to build brighter futures through skilled trades.

Congratulations to the latest graduates of the Breaking the Chains of Poverty (BTCP) pre-apprenticeship program through the A. Philip Randolph Institute of Pittsburgh.

Discover how Partner4Work’s youth programs, funded by TANF, are helping Pittsburgh students like Raz succeed. From FAFSA completion to college scholarships, see how our partners are shaping bright futures.

From behind-the-scenes animal care to hands-on training, Suhaylah has taken flight through the Learn & Earn program at the National Aviary!

At the 2nd Annual Thank You For Your Service Job & Resource Fair, more than 30 employers and resource providers came together with one shared mission: to support service members, veterans, and their families in finding meaningful employment.

At the Spring 2025 Youth Civic Leadership Academy (YCLA) Symposium, Pittsburgh’s next generation of leaders took center stage.

Partner4Work is proud to support Start on Success, a program within Pittsburgh Public Schools that helps students with disabilities gain real-world experience and build career skills as they prepare to transition from school to work. This week’s 2025 End-of-Year Celebration recognized the incredible achievements of these students over the past year.

At Partner4Work, we’re proud to support the incredible work of Crossroads Foundation. Through academic enrichment, mentoring, and year-round support, Crossroads empowers students to lead, grow, and succeed—both in and beyond the classroom. Their commitment to individualized support and strong community partnerships opens doors for future leaders across Allegheny County.

The 3rd Annual ACAR Reentry Summit brought together powerful voices, valuable community resources, and impactful workshops to support reentry success across our region.

We’re proud to celebrate a recent graduate of the Trade Institute of Pittsburgh (TIP) whose journey shows the power of perseverance, support, and second chances. Through TIP’s holistic approach—including life coaching, driver’s education, and the healing space of the morning gratitude circle—this participant turned his life around and worked toward his goals with determination.

On April 24, we joined Secretary of Labor and Industry Nancy Walker, Senator Jay Costa, the Boys & Girls Club of Western PA, and community partners at the McKeesport Teen Center to spotlight a $2.4M investment in youth workforce development through the Schools-to-Work Program.

At Partner4Work's previous Board Meeting, we were proud to welcome Leane Peterson—a powerful example of the impact of the Employment, Advancement and Retention Network (EARN) program.

Success Spotlight: YCLA Scholars & Vets Drive Change!

Partner4Work is proud to support the Youth Civic Leadership Academy (YCLA) as they empower young leaders to tackle real-world issues through research and civic engagement.

Auberle’s Employment Institute assisted the Digital Foundry of Penn State New Kensington (The Pennsylvania State University) in facilitating an Intro to Robotics Manufacturing Training.