PA CareerLink Berks County

What PA CareerLink Berks County does

PA CareerLink Berks County is a public workforce development center established in 1999 and operating under the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014 as part of Pennsylvania's One-Stop system and the American Job Center Network. Headquartered at 1920 Kutztown Road, Suite F, Reading, PA, the organization serves employers and job seekers across Berks County through a partnership model that brings together state agencies, community organizations, and educational institutions including the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, Reading Area Community College, Connections Work, PA Department of Human Services, the County of Berks, Job Corps, PathStone, and AARP Foundation. Its service catalog spans three lines: job-seeker services (Resource Room, Welcome Orientation, career workshops, ACT WorkKeys certifications, unemployment compensation assistance), employer services (bi-annual large-scale job fairs at Crowne Plaza Wyomissing, onsite recruitments, On-the-Job Training with 50%+ wage reimbursement averaging $3,000-$4,000 per employee, incumbent worker training, ACT job profiling, customizable recruitment), and young-adult programs (In-School-Youth employment at $10-$15/hour, free GED with 12-16 week average completion, Paid Work Experience, and the Connect to Success reentry program).

The underlying technology consists primarily of the statewide PA CareerLink portal (pacareerlink.pa.gov), which enables employer job posting, candidate search, profile matching, referral sorting, and automated resume generation from user-entered education and work history, supplemented by a bilingual English/Spanish website, Constant Contact email distribution, and social channels on Facebook, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn. There is no proprietary AI/ML stack, no mobile application, and no public API surface disclosed. Service delivery is hybrid: in-person at the Reading office during published public hours (M,T,Th,F 8:30am-4:30pm; W 10am-4:30pm), on-site employer recruitments, large-format job fairs, and through the statewide self-serve digital portal.

Revenue is almost entirely government-funded under WIOA through the Berks County Workforce Development Board and PA Department of Labor & Industry, with services provided at no cost to employers and job seekers subject to program-specific eligibility. The Resource Room charges 5 cents per page for copying with free fax service. There are no disclosed equity investors, no parent company, no subsidiaries, no M&A activity, no funding rounds, and no commercial pricing tiers, consistent with its identity as a government-sponsored public workforce center rather than a venture-backed or traditional commercial enterprise. The organization is not publicly traded and does not disclose revenue, headcount growth, or contract values.

Name

PA CareerLink Berks County

Legal name

PA CareerLink Berks County

Website

https://careerlinkberks.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1999

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

PA CareerLink Berks County is a federally funded public workforce development center serving employers and job seekers in Berks County, PA through job fairs, recruitment services, OJT training, career workshops, and youth and veteran programs under WIOA.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Workforce Development Services

NAICS

Employment Services (5613), Employment Placement Agencies (561311), Educational Support Services (611710), Vocational Rehabilitation Services (624310)

SIC

Services-Employment Agencies (7361), Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

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

akta.pro secondary industries

Job Placement, Matching & Career Navigation Services (EDAAAOAL), Career Services & Career Readiness (EDALABAB), Workforce Readiness, Career Pathways & Youth Employment Nonprofits (BPAGADAF)

Keywords

• Workforce development services
• Job placement assistance
• Employer recruitment services
• Career training programs
• Youth employment programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Reading

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Federally Funded Workforce Services: PA CareerLink Berks County operates as a publicly funded workforce development organization. Many services are provided at no cost because they are federally funded under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014. The organization receives funding through the Berks County Workforce Development Board and operates as part of the American Job Center Network under the U.S. Department of Labor. Some programs may have eligibility requirements.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

PA CareerLink Berks County is a publicly funded workforce development center that connects Berks County job seekers with employment opportunities and helps employers recruit, train, and retain workers. Its core offerings include the Resource Room, Welcome Orientation, career workshops, comprehensive career services, unemployment compensation assistance, large-scale job fairs, onsite recruitments, On-the-Job Training (OJT) wage reimbursements, ACT workforce assessments, customizable recruitment assistance, and youth-focused programs including GED instruction and paid work experience. Services are delivered through a partnership of public and private entities with most offered at low or no cost under federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act funding.

Product overview

PA CareerLink Berks County is a workforce development organization operating as part of Pennsylvania's One-Stop system under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014. The organization offers a comprehensive suite of services organized into three main categories: (1) Job Seeker Services including Resource Room, PA CareerLink job search platform, Welcome Orientation, Expanded Career Services workshops, and Comprehensive Career Services; (2) Employer/Business Services including Large Scale Job Fairs, Onsite Recruitments, On-the-Job Training Program, Veterans Services, ACT Workforce Solutions, Customizable Recruitment Assistance, and Incumbent Worker Training; (3) Young Adult Programs including In-School-Youth Employment Program, High School Equivalency/GED, Career Services, Paid Work Experience, and the Young Adult Reentry Program (Connect to Success). Services are largely federally funded and provided at low or no cost to users. The organization serves Berks County, Pennsylvania and surrounding communities from its Reading office location.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Resource Room Self-service center open to the public at the Reading office with internet-accessible computers, job search and career-related materials, training provider materials, apprenticeship information, Trade Act information, veterans materials, online unemployment compensation access, free fax machine, and copier at 5 cents per page. Open M-F 10:00am-3:00pm.
• Welcome Orientation In-person or virtual orientation program where job seekers learn about available services, partner agencies, and how to access workforce development resources.
• Expanded Career Services Workshops approximately 1.5 hours in length covering Resume Success, Ace the Interview, Career Exploration & Networking, Excel for Beginners, Word for Beginners, Computer Basics, Job Seeking in Today's Environment, Marketing Yourself, Success in the First 90 Days, Interview Tips, and Professional Communications.
• Comprehensive Career Services In-depth employment planning services including Success Starts Here workplace skills, Job Search/Job Club, Employment Specialist services, ACT National Career Readiness Certificate, Individual Training Account (ITA) for approved training, and On-the-Job Training (OJT) opportunities.
• Unemployment Compensation Assistance Assistance with unemployment compensation claims including UC Courtesy Phones and fax services for appeals. Email support via [email protected].
• Large Scale Job Fairs Multi-employer job fairs held each spring and fall at Crowne Plaza in Wyomissing that promote face-to-face interactions between employers and job seekers, attracting hundreds of potential applicants.
• Onsite Recruitments Employer recruitment events held at the PA CareerLink Berks County office with conference rooms of various sizes. Includes on-the-spot interviews/hires, flexible scheduling, competitive room rentals, and staff assistance.
• On-the-Job Training (OJT) Program Program allowing businesses to offset training costs for new hires. Employers receive at least 50% wage reimbursement for eligible employees, with average reimbursement of $3,000-$4,000 per employee. Training is implemented by the employer.
• Veterans Services Services connecting businesses with qualified veterans including skills matching, training funds and tax credit information, and connections to veterans organizations. Dedicated contact line at 610-988-1322.
• ACT Workforce Solutions ACT WorkKeys Assessments measuring workplace skills including Applied Math, Graphic Literacy, Workplace Documents, Applied Technology, Business Writing, and Workplace Observation. Includes job profiling services for hiring, recruiting, advancement, and training benchmarks.
• Customizable Recruitment Assistance Comprehensive recruitment support including web-based recruitment through PA CareerLink, recruitment events, interviewing rooms, candidate matching, screening and referral, outreach coordination, paper application services, labor market information, and tax credit information.
• Incumbent Worker Training Program assisting employers in upgrading workforce skills to remain competitive. Training covers new technologies, processes, or leadership skills and must lead to an in-demand occupation.
• In-School-Youth Employment Program Work experience program for young adults ages 16-24 who are Berks County residents. Six to eight-week cohorts run year-round with wages of $10.00-$15.00 per hour. Occupations span healthcare, manufacturing, clerical, outdoor maintenance, education, and retail.
• High School Equivalency/GED Program Free high school equivalency instruction for eligible young adults. Classes held in English during daytime hours with all expenses (testing fees, materials, supplies) covered. Weekly stipends available based on attendance. Average completion time is 12-16 weeks.
• Career Services Program (Young Adults) Career planning services for young adults who have graduated high school or post-secondary education. Includes job shadowing, volunteering, interning, Paid Work Experience, college visits, interview prep, job search, and ACT National Career Readiness Certificate.
• Paid Work Experience (PWE) Program Part-time temporary work assignments with local employers in chosen career fields. Wages are $10-$15 per hour paid by the program. Participants work 8-12 weeks with an employer and can participate in multiple placements.
• Young Adult Reentry Program: Connect to Success Program for justice-involved young adults aged 18-24. Assists with obtaining high school equivalency diploma and/or employment. Offers transportation and financial assistance. All expenses covered including testing fees, materials, and training fees.

Quantifiable outcome

• Average reimbursement per OJT employee is $3,000 - $4,000
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core and secondary.

• PA Department of Labor & Industry, Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1999OVR provides vocational rehabilitation services to help persons with disabilities prepare for, enter, retain, or advance in employment. Services include assessments, vocational counseling, job development, restoration services, assistive technology, academic/vocational/on-the-job training, job coaching, and Pre-Employment Transition Services. OVR also offers Business Services including disability awareness training, accessibility analysis, accommodation solutions, and talent acquisition.
• Reading Area Community College (RACC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRACC is an accredited, comprehensive, open-enrollment education institution providing associate degrees, certificates, diplomas, career-focused training, and adult basic education classes. They offer free GED preparation and ESL classes, along with career and technical education programs. The partnership provides educational pathways for job seekers and training for businesses.
• Connections WorkcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerConnections Work provides workforce development services including job search and placement for individuals with current and past justice system involvement. They operate Rebuilding Reentrants & Reading (R3), a registered pre-apprenticeship program in construction trades, and the Pardon Project of Berks County.
• PA Department of Labor & Industry, Bureau of Workforce Partnership and OperationscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerState department responsible for workforce development operations supporting the PA CareerLink system and workforce initiatives across Pennsylvania.
• PA Department of Labor & Industry, Office of Unemployment Compensation CenterscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Office of Unemployment Compensation Service Centers helps citizens financially until they find employment. They process unemployment compensation claims, new applications, bi-weekly claims, and payment distributions.
• County of BerkscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCounty government entity that sponsors the workforce development board and provides local oversight and support for workforce initiatives in Berks County.
• PA Department of Human ServicescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerState department providing human services that connect job seekers with workforce development resources and support services.
• AARP Foundation: Senior Community Service Employment ProgramsecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerProgram providing employment training and job placement assistance for seniors (55+) through community service assignments and skills development.
• PathStone Corporation: National Farmworkers Jobs ProgramsecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerProgram providing workforce development services specifically for farmworkers and agricultural workers, including job training and employment assistance.
• PA Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED): Berks Community Action ProgramsecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity action program providing additional support services and resources for job seekers and employers in Berks County.
• Job CorpssecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerFederal job training program providing free education and career technical training to young people ages 16-24, connecting them with workforce development opportunities.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• PA CareerLink Lehigh Valley: Sister PA CareerLink One-Stop center serving Lehigh and Northampton counties under the same WIOA/statewide system. Operates the same PA CareerLink portal, OJT program, and job fair model, making it the closest structural peer to Berks County's center.
• PA CareerLink Philadelphia: Larger PA CareerLink One-Stop serving Philadelphia County under the same WIOA framework. Offers an identical portfolio (Resource Room, job fairs, OJT, veteran services, youth programs) but at materially greater scale, providing a benchmark for Berks's potential.
• Philadelphia Works: Local Workforce Development Board and PA CareerLink operator for Philadelphia. A peer WDB/operator providing the same One-Stop, WIOA-funded employer and job-seeker services, useful as a comparable operating model.
• Goodwill of Southern Pennsylvania & Southwestern New Jersey - Career Connections: Nonprofit workforce development operator offering job placement, skills training, and reentry support - many of the same service lines as PA CareerLink Berks. Comparable mission-driven model and similar target populations including individuals with barriers to employment.
• Connections Work: PA CareerLink Berks partner operating the R3 pre-apprenticeship program in construction trades and the Pardon Project of Berks County. A direct peer for justice-involved reentry and construction apprenticeship services.
• PathStone Corporation: National farmworker workforce program and PA CareerLink Berks partner. Operates parallel employment, training, and education services for migrant and seasonal farmworkers - a narrow but direct peer for that segment.

Emerging players

• Reading Area Community College (RACC) Workforce & Community Education: RACC is a PA CareerLink Berks core partner but also operates its own workforce, GED, ESL, and short-term credential programs. Functions as both a partner and adjacent competitor for adult education and occupational training funding.
• AARP Foundation Senior Community Service Employment Program: National senior (55+) workforce program that PA CareerLink Berks distributes through. Operates its own job training and placement services for older workers, making it a partial-overlap peer for the senior segment.
• Year Up: National workforce development nonprofit providing training and corporate placements for young adults. Overlaps with PA CareerLink's Young Adult Programs and In-School Youth Employment offerings, especially for opportunity youth aged 18-24.

Broad incumbents

• Robert Half International: Large national staffing and direct-hire firm offering permanent placement and contract staffing across clerical, administrative, finance, and professional roles. Competes with PA CareerLink's employer services for non-WIOA-funded placements in Reading/Berks County.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks1 record

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/careerlinkberks
• Facebookfacebook.com/pacareerlinkberks
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/pacareerlinkberks
• Instagraminstagram.com/careerlink_berks

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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 PA CareerLink Berks County