What Partner4Work does

Partner4Work is the legislatively designated public workforce development board for Pittsburgh and Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, operating as a quasi-governmental non-profit (formerly Three Rivers Workforce Investment Board, rebranded January 1, 2017). The organization stewards more than $25 million annually in public and private workforce funds, channeling federal WIOA appropriations ($10.98M), federal TANF funding ($8.72M), and discretionary grants ($8.71M) through PA CareerLink service centers and the Pittsburgh Works consortium of 80+ partner agencies. Its core customers are three-sided: job seekers (adults, dislocated workers, veterans, and youth ages 14–23), employers seeking qualified talent, and community organizations needing coordination and funding support.

The organization delivers workforce services through a portfolio of programs including Learn & Earn ($4.5M summer youth employment connecting nearly 13,500 youth since 2015), Employment Advancement and Retention Network (EARN), PA CareerLink (Downtown Pittsburgh, Forest Hills, Energy Innovation Center satellite, plus Carnegie Library branches), TechHire Pittsburgh, BankWork$, 4Construction, Build the Beat pre-apprenticeship, Regional Advanced Manufacturing Partnership (RAMP), Career Ready Allegheny, and the SWPA Healthcare Expo (1,000+ students across nine southwestern PA counties). Technology components include PA CareerLink job matching systems, online application portals, and gamified career readiness tools (the JobPro video game series and Booeys: A Ghost's Code, developed with Simcoach Games to assess aptitudes for technical careers). Partner4Work is governed by a Board of Directors chaired by David J. Malone and led by CEO Robert L. Cherry Jr. (appointed July 2021, previously Deputy Secretary of Wisconsin DWD) and COO Susie Puskar (promoted March 2024).

Partner4Work operates as a public-private partnership rather than a commercial enterprise: services are provided at no cost to eligible job seekers, and employer participation is structured around worksite placement and sponsorship rather than fee-for-service arrangements. Revenue derives from federal grants (U.S. Department of Labor, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, U.S. Department of Justice), state appropriations (PA Department of Labor and Industry), and private philanthropy (Richard King Mellon Foundation, AT&T, JP Morgan Chase, Google.org, IBM). The organization's go-to-market is community-led, leveraging the 80+ agency Pittsburgh Works consortium and direct employer outreach by its Business Services Team, with outcomes measured in placements (1,300+ jobs at avg $14.50/hour), employer engagement (245+ new employers, 160+ recruitment events), and program throughput (nearly 2,000 young adults in summer jobs, nearly 3,000 in job-seeking skills training).

Name

Partner4Work

Legal name

Partner4Work

Website

https://partner4work.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2014

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Partner4Work is the public workforce development board for Pittsburgh and Allegheny County, stewarding $25M+ annually to connect job seekers, employers, and 80+ community agencies through PA CareerLink centers and programs including Learn & Earn, RAMP, and Career Ready Allegheny.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Workforce Development Services

NAICS

Apprenticeship Training (611513), Technical and Trade Schools (6115), Professional and Management Development Training (611430)

SIC

Services-Employment Agencies (7361), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Public Workforce Development Programs (WIOA/One-Stop Career Centers) (EDAAAOAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Employer-Led Workforce Partnerships & Sector Strategies (EDAAAOAB), Community College / Training Provider Workforce Pathways Programs (EDAAAOAO), Workforce & Job-Seeker Services (Community-Based) (EDAAAFAM)

Keywords

• Workforce development services
• Youth employment programs
• Job training
• Career placement services
• Public workforce board

Headquarters

HQ city

Pittsburgh

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Funding: Partner4Work receives federal funding from the U.S. Department of Labor under WIOA programs, totaling $10,982,413 in federal support with $0 state/local/non-governmental matching funds. WIOA programs fund career counseling, skills assessments, and job training for adults, dislocated workers, veterans, youth, and older workers.
2. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Funding: TANF programs are federally supported 100% by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services with awards totaling $8,717,916, supporting youth workforce development programs.
3. Discretionary Grants and Private Funding: Other discretionary grants totaling $8,714,292, with 15% federal funds ($1,349,182) and 85% state, local, and non-governmental funds ($7,365,111). Includes funding from foundations such as Richard King Mellon Foundation, corporations (AT&T, JP Morgan Chase), and other private partners.
4. Stewardship of Public and Private Workforce Funds: As a workforce development board, Partner4Work stewards approximately $25 million in public and private workforce funds to oversee and fund workforce programs for adults, dislocated workers, and youth.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Partner4Work operates as the public workforce development board for Pittsburgh and Allegheny County, administering federally funded WIOA and TANF programs along with state and private workforce funds. The organization delivers career counseling, skills training, job placement, and sector-specific programs (Learn & Earn youth summer employment, BankWork$, TechHire, RAMP advanced manufacturing, 4Construction) through the PA CareerLink center network and a consortium of 80+ partner agencies.

Product overview

Partner4Work is the public workforce development board for Pittsburgh and Allegheny County, formerly known as Three Rivers Workforce Investment Board. The organization operates as a platform connecting funding, expertise, and opportunities for employers, job seekers, agencies, and policymakers. Partner4Work delivers workforce solutions through a portfolio of programs including Learn & Earn (summer youth employment), Employment Advancement and Retention Network (EARN), PA CareerLink centers, TechHire Pittsburgh, BankWork$, 4Construction, and career expo events. As stewards of more than $25 million in public and private workforce funds, the organization oversees WIOA-funded programs, TANF programs, and discretionary grants to serve adults, dislocated workers, and youth. Partner4Work bridges the gap between people looking for work and companies in need of talent through career counseling, job placement services, training programs, and employer partnerships.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Learn & Earn A $4.5 million summer youth employment program connecting young people ages 14 to 23 with 6-week paid summer work experiences at 400+ worksites across Allegheny County, including soft skills coaching. Since 2015, has connected nearly 13,500 youth with jobs and returned more than $6 million in wages to the local economy.
• PA CareerLink Pittsburgh Public workforce services center providing job seekers with career counseling, job search assistance, resume help, workshops, recruitment events, training program referrals, and access to job postings. Locations include Downtown Pittsburgh (914 Penn Avenue) and Forest Hills (2040 Ardmore Blvd).
• Employment Advancement and Retention Network (EARN) Welfare-to-work program providing employment services, career counseling, job placement assistance, and retention support for adults facing barriers to employment, delivered through partners including Goodwill SWPA and EDSI.
• Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Programs Federally supported workforce programs for adults, young adults, dislocated workers, and other eligible participants, providing employment services, skills training, and career development through federal funding from the U.S. Department of Labor.
• SWPA Healthcare Expo Annual healthcare career exposition connecting more than 1,000 students from 50+ schools across nine southwestern Pennsylvania counties with healthcare career pathways, featuring regional hospitals, community colleges, training programs, and healthcare employers including UPMC.
• Regional Advanced Manufacturing Partnership (RAMP) Initiative strengthening the advanced manufacturing talent pipeline across the Pittsburgh region by bringing together approximately 10 advanced manufacturing companies, educators, and community stakeholders to co-design scalable workforce solutions, supported by the Richard King Mellon Foundation and The Barnes Global Advisors.
• BankWork$ Pittsburgh Nationally recognized, industry-developed training program launched in collaboration with the PA Bankers Association to help individuals from low-income and minority communities prepare for entry-level careers in retail banking through technical training and soft skills coaching.
• TechHire Pittsburgh Public-private collaborative initiative connecting job seekers, workers, and students to opportunities in tech-related fields through career pathways, IT training programs, and scholarships (including 100 Google.org-funded IT training scholarships for underrepresented populations).
• 4Construction Construction workforce initiative creating pathways to careers in Pittsburgh's construction industry through pre-apprenticeship training (including the Build the Beat program with P.J. Dick, Live Nation, and Pittsburgh Gateways Corporation), industry partnerships, and employment placement.
• Career Ready Allegheny Comprehensive platform developed in partnership with the Allegheny Intermediate Unit, Consortium for Public Education, and Remake Learning connecting schools, students, and employers across Allegheny County to career development resources, labor market research, and equitable learning practices.

Quantifiable outcome

• Nearly 13,500 youth connected with jobs since 2015 through Learn & Earn program
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

35 partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and supporting.

• PA Bankers AssociationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 August 2019Launched BankWork$ Pittsburgh, a nationally recognized industry-developed training program helping individuals prepare for careers in retail banking, in collaboration with regional financial institutions.
• Simcoach GamescoreTechnology or Integration · 21 November 2016Developed Booeys: A Ghost's Code video game to expose job seekers to tech careers, measuring aptitudes for problem solving, logic, attention to detail, and algorithm understanding.
• Simcoach GamescoreTechnology or Integration · 6 October 2015Developed JobPro video game series (Get Dressed!, Get Prepared!, Get Hired!) to prepare youth for work readiness through interactive gaming. Games were conceptualized, developed, and tested by Learn & Earn program interns.
• The Barnes Global Advisors (TBGA)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic partnership to launch Regional Advanced Manufacturing Partnership (RAMP), an initiative strengthening the advanced manufacturing talent pipeline across the Pittsburgh region. RAMP brings together employers, educators, and community stakeholders to develop scalable workforce strategies, engaging approximately 10 advanced manufacturing companies to co-design workforce solutions. Supported by the Richard King Mellon Foundation, combining Partner4Work's workforce expertise with TBGA's national leadership in advanced manufacturing including Neighborhood 91 and Department of Defense-supported programs.
• Live NationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborative partner in Build the Beat pre-apprenticeship program connecting individuals to family-sustaining jobs in construction while strengthening Pittsburgh's construction workforce.
• P.J. DickcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerConstruction partner hosting Learn & Earn corporate internship participants and collaborating on Build the Beat pre-apprenticeship program.
• Pittsburgh Gateways CorporationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Build the Beat construction pre-apprenticeship program, providing hands-on training, industry certifications, and pathways to high-demand construction careers.
• Dale CarnegiesupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated with Partner4Work and Neighborhood Learning Alliance to deliver transformative leadership training for underserved teenagers in Pittsburgh.
• Dollar BanksupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity-focused financial institution collaborating on innovative initiative with Partner4Work, Neighborhood Learning Alliance, and Dale Carnegie for youth leadership development.
• Carlow UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in college immersion program allowing Learn & Earn participants to earn three college credits over eight weeks while working summer jobs. Provided campus facilities, professors, and tutoring support.
• Neighborhood Learning AlliancecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partner identifying and recommending students for college immersion program, helping provide full access to campus resources and supporting student success.
• Bloomfield-Garfield CorporationsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity organization partner in college immersion program, recommending students and supporting college and career readiness.
• IBMflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner to launch IBM's Service Corps Reignite career readiness platform in Pittsburgh, the first city in the U.S. for this initiative supporting businesses, job seekers, and non-profits emerging from COVID-19 economic disruption.
• German American Chamber of Commerce, Pittsburgh ChaptercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in nation's first Electric Vehicle apprenticeship program and Polymer Process Technician apprenticeship program, collaborating to power Pittsburgh's clean energy future.
• UPMC Health PlancoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in 4Healthcare UPMC initiative creating career pathways for new Medicaid enrollees, and Freedom House 2.0 EMS training program for economically disadvantaged communities.
• Health IT PittsburghcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Health IT training program for underserved communities, providing opportunities in the growing health information technology field.
• Southwest Corner Workforce Development BoardcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborative partner in SWPA Healthcare Expo connecting 1,000+ students from 50+ schools across nine southwestern Pennsylvania counties to healthcare career pathways.
• Tri-County Workforce Investment BoardcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborative partner in SWPA Healthcare Expo sharing healthcare career opportunities with hundreds of students across the region.
• Westmoreland-Fayette Workforce Investment BoardcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborative partner in SWPA Healthcare Expo and presenter Janet Ward, Executive Director, highlighted importance of opening doors to healthcare careers.
• Per ScholascoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational tech training provider launching in Pittsburgh to expand regional talent pipeline accessibility into in-demand tech careers.
• Allegheny Intermediate UnitcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Career Ready Allegheny platform uniting education, workforce development, labor market research, and equitable learning practices to connect schools, students, and employers.
• Consortium for Public EducationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Career Ready Allegheny collaborative platform connecting students, educators, and employers in Allegheny County.
• Remake LearningsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Career Ready Allegheny platform, bringing expertise in equitable learning practices to the collaboration.
• AuberlecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner accepted into DOL Youth Systems Building Academy and provider of Employment Institute workforce services and Career Pipeline program for youth with justice involvement.
• Goodwill of Southwestern PAcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner accepted into DOL Youth Systems Building Academy and EARN program provider delivering employment services to adults and families.
• Pittsburgh Public SchoolscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner accepted into DOL Youth Systems Building Academy and co-deliverer of Learn & Earn and Start on Success programs for students with disabilities.
• Energy Innovation Center (EIC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHost of PA CareerLink satellite office in Lower Hill District, offering environmental services technician training, Introduction to the Trades, and workforce programs in partnership with UPMC.
• Carnegie Library of PittsburghcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner hosting PA CareerLink locations at multiple branches and collaborating on recruitment events for Learn & Earn summer employment program.
• Builders Guild of Western PennsylvaniacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in revamped Introduction to the Construction Trades pre-apprenticeship program preparing individuals for construction trades apprenticeship training programs.
• Trade Institute of PittsburghcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner organization providing holistic workforce training including life coaching, driver's education, and career pathway support for individuals facing barriers.
• A. Philip Randolph Institute of PittsburghcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Breaking the Chains of Poverty (BTCP) pre-apprenticeship program connecting graduates to union workforce.
• Crossroads FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner providing academic enrichment, mentoring, and year-round support to empower students through individualized attention and strong community partnerships.
• EDSIcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEARN program provider delivering employment advancement and retention services including Work Ready, GED Prep, and Multi-Gen programs.
• Human Services Center Mon ValleycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvider of Emerging Leaders Program helping youth navigate college applications, explore careers, and build futures.
• LandforcecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner providing transitional job program combining workforce development training with land stewardship employment.

Scale indicators12 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Direct peers

• Employ Milwaukee: Workforce development board for Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, administering WIOA programs. Highly comparable: former Partner4Work CEO Earl Buford served as President/CEO of Employ Milwaukee before moving to Partner4Work, indicating organizational and operational parity.
• Southwest Corner Workforce Development Board: Adjacent Pennsylvania workforce investment board serving Washington, Greene, and Beaver counties. Explicitly listed as a Partner4Work collaborative partner in the SWPA Healthcare Expo, indicating closely aligned WIOA program delivery and regional coordination.
• Tri-County Workforce Investment Board: Regional Pennsylvania workforce development board explicitly listed as a Partner4Work collaborative partner in the SWPA Healthcare Expo, serving comparable adult, dislocated worker, and youth populations under WIOA.
• Westmoreland-Fayette Workforce Investment Board: Pennsylvania workforce investment board named as a Partner4Work collaborative partner in the SWPA Healthcare Expo, sharing healthcare career pathway exposure and operating an analogous WIOA service delivery model.
• Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania: Nonprofit provider of employment and training services in the Pittsburgh region; listed as a Partner4Work subrecipient delivering EARN and youth workforce programs through the Pittsburgh Works consortium.
• Auberle: Pittsburgh-area nonprofit serving at-risk youth and families; listed as a Partner4Work subrecipient in the DOL Youth Systems Building Academy and Employment Institute/Career Pipeline program for justice-involved youth.

Broad incumbents

• National Fund for Workforce Solutions: National nonprofit that convenes regional workforce partnerships; awarded Partner4Work the Exemplary Partnership Award for Pittsburgh Works. Comparable as a steward/coordinator of regional workforce initiatives, though at a national rather than single-metro scale.
• Jobs for the Future: National nonprofit focused on workforce development, education, and economic mobility; comparable as a broader-incumbent operating across multiple states on workforce pipeline initiatives similar to those Partner4Work runs.

Emerging players

• Per Scholas: National tech-focused workforce training nonprofit that launched in Pittsburgh through Partner4Work partnership. Comparable as a tech-sector training provider targeting underrepresented populations.
• Year Up: National nonprofit providing workforce training and career pathway programming for young adults from underrepresented communities; comparable target population and program structure to Partner4Work's Learn & Earn and youth initiatives.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/PghWorkforce
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/3RiversWIB
• Facebookfacebook.com/Partner4WorkPgh
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/partner4work-pittsburgh
• Instagraminstagram.com/partner4work

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Partner4Work