Workforce program hosts over 20 organizations for MVI Job & Resource Fair
Mon Valley Initiative was joined by over 20 partners for a Job & Resource Fair at our Homestead office on September 29. The event included on-site resume help, employers, training and apprenticeship programs, nonprofit and government resources, and more.
In recent months, MVI’s Workforce Development & Financial Coaching team has hosted and attended more hiring events as the job market continues to be highly unpredictable, and job seekers face rising pressure to adapt. Layoffs, industry changes, technological advances, and evolving demands from employers have created a climate of instability, one that disproportionately affects low- to moderate-income communities. MVI aims to fill that gap, offering networks of support and resources designed to help individuals prepare for the future.
One of the biggest factors shaping the current labor market is the increasing number of highly skilled workers who are finding themselves unemployed. As a result, those with fewer qualifications often face even greater challenges competing for available positions. The push toward skills training and apprenticeships has therefore become more important than ever.
Training and apprenticeship programs are available across a wide range of industries, from banking and construction to IT and youth services. The appeal of these programs is their long-term value, according to Dr. T. Charles Howell IV, Director of MVI’s workforce program.
“Anything that can separate people from other applicants right now is a big win," said Charles Howell, MVI's Workforce Development & Financial Coaching Director. "For example, we often tell people that while the job market may be volatile, training and education stay with you wherever you go. They offer lasting benefits and stability in an uncertain environment and give job seekers an advantage when applying to competitive positions."
Howell also recognizes that training opportunities are not without barriers. For many, leaving a job to pursue education or certification is not financially feasible, especially for workers supporting families. Some programs, however, provide stipends or paid apprenticeships, easing the burden and allowing participants to earn while they learn. Over the past several years, MVI has expanded our partnerships with apprenticeship programs to help community members access these opportunities.
Events like the Job & Resource Fair highlight the growing demand for organizations that can bridge the gap between job seekers and employers, particularly in communities that feel the greatest impact of market shifts. MVI utilizes its network of partners to provide program participants with both immediate assistance and pathways toward long-term stability.
To learn more about MVI’s Workforce Development & Financial Coaching Program and its partners, call 412-464-4000 or fill out the program contact form. To stay updated on MVI’s upcoming events, visit the events page or sign up for our monthly e-newsletter.
