The Braddock Employment and Training Center

These services are financed by many grants including a grant provided by the PA Department of Community and Economic Development.

849 Braddock Avenue

Braddock, PA 15104

412.273.6430

Partners

Job Seekers

Employers

Adult and Senior Training Opportunities

Other Adult Services

Youth Services

 

 

Mission Statement

The Braddock Employment & Training Center (BETC) is committed to providing the highest standard of professional training and employment services to our participant in order to identify and overcome barriers to employment.

 

Vital Partners

Allegheny County Department of Human Services, Office of Community Services

provides administrative oversight of the BETC activities. Many activities at the BETC are paid for in whole or in part by a number of grants including a grant provided by the PA Department of Community and Economic Development.

 

Community College of Allegheny County administers grants to operate grants at the BETC building. These include the Modern Office Systems Training Program, the Computer Literacy Class and the Update Skills – Expedite Re-employment grants.

 

Heritage Health Foundation, Inc. partners by providing building maintenance and supervision and operates a Child Drop-In Center to serve the many BETC clients.

 

Services for Job Seekers and Employers

Job Seekers – The BETC is committed to serving the job seeker by providing the following services free of charge: career assessment and counseling, Pennsylvania CareerLink registration, computer lab access, job placement and referrals, job readiness assessment, on-site job interviews, resume preparation, vocational training and work maturity workshops. There are two full-time job developers on site. Contact Lena Franklin at 412.273.6439 or Joseph Spinola at 412.273.6402.

 

Employers – The BETC is committed to serving local businesses looking for the right candidate. The following services are provided: job posting, job matching, customized job search, job-specific recruitment, on-site employment interviewing, pre-screening and referral of qualified candidates. Contact Joe Spinola at 412.273.6402.

 

Clients – Heritage Health Foundation – Child Care Drop-in Center – The Center is state approved and part of the 4-Kids childcare network serving children from infancy to 12 years. Hours are from 8 – 4 daily. Clients of the BETC may leave children for up to four hours daily during various appointments or while conducting business or attending class at the BETC.

 

Adult Training Opportunities

The CCAC Modern Office Systems Training Program provides quality office technology training to the unemployed, disadvantaged and underemployed community for the purpose of developing employment skills that will lead to self-sufficiency. The program is open entry and many courses are individualized. The program must meet various performance standards set forth by the funding agency. It strives to provide a safe and nurturing environment that enables the student to succeed. Courses taught include all programs of the Microsoft Office, business writing, document formatting, secretarial accounting, data entry, office procedures and records management. Medical terminology and transcription is an elective. The Program encourages life-long learning through the awarding of CCAC credits for advanced placement toward a certificate in Administrative Computer Specialist. Students are encouraged to develop good socialization skills and a work ethic that will help maintain successful employment and promotability. Job search and placement are provided. Students are followed for up to one year after job placement to assist with needs to promote employment retention and advancement. Call Kathy at 412.273.6440.

 

The CCAC Computer Literacy Course

This is a two to eight-week introduction to computers course for the beginning computer user. It covers introduction to Windows, Internet and Email. Once the student completes this course successfully, he may continue learning to use MS Word or apply for admission to the Modern Office Systems Training for career training in office skills. Call Kathy at 412.273.6440.

 

The CCAC Update Skills and Expedite Re-Employment Program

This program provides a fast-track to employment. It prepares the participant for an intensive job search by completing an updated resume, brushing up in a particular computer application, skill building in keyboarding speed and accuracy or helping in any area where the individual is deficient and needs help to obtain employment. The job developer is involved immediately and job placement and retention services are provided. Call Kathy at 412.273.6440.

 

Seniors Computer Classes – This introductory course invites seniors to participate in an experience in which they learn a variety of ways that computer skills are used in daily life.  This course is designed for seniors with no prior or limited knowledge of computers.  The course will present the latest windows software for computer application.  The emphasis on computer skills training will enable seniors to better prepare for this ever-changing world. Seniors will be able to demonstrate the ability to use computers to process and retrieve information. This workshop is geared toward familiarizing you with how computers basically work, including plugging them in and turning them on, mouse control and surveying some of the Microsoft programs. The objective of our class is to provide a fun, entertaining and dynamic learning environment with lots of practical hands on exercises and real world examples. Contact John Smith at 412.273.6468 to enroll.

 


Other Adult Services

Forbes Road Career and Technical Center The Adult GED program prepares adults for the GED exam, college entrance exam or nursing boards. Classes meet from 9 am until noon daily. New students are enrolled weekly. A current Pennsylvania ID is required. Contact Julie Bietler at 412.273.6457.

 

Forbes Road Career and Technical Center The Move-Up Program is an initiative of the Department of Public Welfare (DPW) and is designed to remediate adults in reading and math and prepare them for employment. Participants must be TANF recipients and be referred by DPW caseworkers. Contact Carmella Pucci at 412.273.6434.

 

Office of Vocational Rehabilitation – Those who have a physical or mental health related issue might be eligible for services through OVR. A representative from OVR meets with clients once a week at the BETC. Call Bob Brown at 412.392.5934 to schedule an appointment in Braddock.

 

Low Income Heating Assistance Program – LIHEAP – conducts interviews from November through March to help those who are having difficulty meeting heating expenses. Call Linda 412.273.6462 for an appointment.

 

Turtle Creek Valley Mental Health and Mental Retardation – A representative from this agency also meets at the BETC weekly. If you are in need of mental health services, call Kim at 412.273.6451 to make an appointment.

 

Legal Aid – Referrals to Legal Aid can be made for those who qualify and are facing legal issues. Call Ed Stephenson 412.255.6700 X7838 for information.

 

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Youth Services

Hill House Inc. provides services to out-of-school youth. The program prepares young people for the General Education Diploma (GED) exam and secondary education. In addition, mentoring and job placement services are provided. Participants must have a current Pennsylvania ID to enroll and meet income guidelines to qualify. Contact Carrie Stewart at 412.273.4604.

 

 

Action Housing Youth Build prepares youth age 8 – 24 for GED and high school graduation in addition to certification in the building trades industries. Through supervised work projects, these students, both male and female, learn various construction trades including the use of hand and power tools, welding, safety, blueprint reading, construction math, communication and employability skills. Participants may sit for the National Center for Construction Education and Research Construction Certifications – NCCER. Contact Julie Motley at 412.913.8461.

 

Americorp KEYS Service Project sponsors In-School Youth and Summer Youth Programs at the BETC. These programs prepare youth age 14 – 18 for successful high school completion through after school tutoring and meal programs. These students may also participate in summer programs where they work in the community in vacant lot beautification, grow fruits and vegetables and operate a farmers’ market. These summer activities are in partnership with the Pittsburgh Community Partnerships. Contact Andrea Arrington at 412.350.6385.