Work Certified Academy

Coming Soon!

2010-04-28T10:48:00.001-07:00

We are excited to announce a new program for Work Certified Academy members. Starting soon, you will be able to take online courses after you complete your WCA certification. Microsoft software training, accounting, languages, management and more!
WCA is partnering with Element k, the leading provider of online training, to offer a catalog of hundreds of courses. All will be offered at NO COST to WCA members, and may be completed from your home computer or here at the Academy.
More details will be announced soon, but seats for this amazing opportunity are extremely limited. If you are interested in updating your skills or preparing for a new career direction, you will have the opportunity to learn at your own pace and at no charge!
Watch your email box and our website for more information.

Excel Class

2010-03-17T07:05:00.000-07:00

Ed Kovacik will be presenting a special edition of Introduction to Excel on Thursday, March 25, 2010 at 9 am. All Work Certified Academy grads are invited to join us for a review of the basics of working with this dynamic program.

Job Club

2010-03-03T06:43:00.000-08:00

Job Club favorite Eric Murphy will be featured at a special edition of Job Club on Friday, March 5, 2010 at 9:30 am. Eric is an experienced counselor and life coach who will challenge you to take charge of you job search and your life. Don't miss it!

Next Class Begins March 1

2010-02-22T10:25:00.000-08:00

Due to the cancellation of Work Certified Academy classes at the PA CareerLink Mon Valley, an additional Work Certified Class has been scheduled in Washington.
Classes will begin on March 1, 2010 at 9 AM. Please Call 724-225-2551 to register. The class will run through March 12.

February 22 Class in Donora Cancelled

2010-02-22T10:20:00.000-08:00

The Work Certified Academy class scheduled to begin February 22, 2010 at the PA CareerLink Mon Valley in Donora has been cancelled. Weather related issues have forced us to postone this class. We will post the new date for classes in the Mon Valley as soon as arrangements are finalized. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.

Excel Class

2010-02-03T10:14:00.000-08:00

Ed Kovacik will be here on Wednesday, February 10, 2010 for an "Introduction to Excel" Class for Work Certified Academy members. All WCA grads are welcome to come if you need to refresh your skills or want a good introduction to the basics of Excel. Class will be held from 9 am-Noon.

Dress for Success Sale

2010-01-21T07:54:00.000-08:00

Need clothing for job interviews or employment? Dress for Success is having a special Fill-a-Bag event on January 29 and 30, 2010 from 10 - 2 each day.
This is a great opportunity to get the work clothing you need to present yourself professionally for only $5 per bag! Open to all Work Certified Academy members!

Winter Weather Policy

2010-01-06T11:52:00.000-08:00

Weather related cancellations or delays for Work Certified Academy will be broadcast on KDKA, WTAE and WJPA Radio 93.5 FM or 1450 AM.

If a class must be cancelled, that day will be made up at the end of the class schedule. If there is a delay or early dismissal, work will be assigned at the discretion of the Trainer. An early dismissal will also apply to the computer lab.
If a member has difficulty getting to class on time or is unable to attend due to bad weather, please call 724-225-2551 after 8:30 AM. If there is no answer, please call 724-229-5083.
Please use your own judgement when travelling in unfavorable weather conditions.

Holiday Hours

2009-12-15T10:17:00.000-08:00

Work Certified Academy will be closed on December 25 and January 1 for the holidays.

Hours on December 24 & 31 are 9 am-Noon.

Hours December 28, 29, 30

are 9 am-2 pm.

Have a Wonderful Holiday Season!

5 Biggest Interview Mistakes

2009-12-10T07:13:00.000-08:00

Interviews are stressful! But unfortunately they are an integral part finding your dream job. So as you prepare for that all important opportunity to sell yourself to a potential employer, it might be wise to take a look at the 5 biggest mistakes that can sabotage you.

Talking too much. When we are nervous we often talk too much to cover up that fact, or we give the interviewer too much personal information.
Not doing your homework. We can't convince the interviewer that we are the perfect choice for the job if we don't know what the company does or what skills the position might require. Find out what makes this company unique.
Being late for the interview. Employers value reliability, so be on time.
Bringing up salary questions too soon. Wait for the employer to take the lead. If your main interest appears to be compensation and benefits, this doesn't move you to the top of the interviewer's short list.
Not being dressed appropriately for the interview. First impressions count, so make sure your appearance is neat, pressed and appropriate for the work place. If you aren't sure, it's best to keep it professional and conservative.

Being nervous at an interview is normal. Being prepared can be your secret weapon for success.

Dress for Success

2009-12-03T06:41:00.000-08:00

Job Club will welcome Robin Matthews of Dress for Success on Tuesday, December 8, 2009 at 10 AM.
The importance of dressing appropriately for an interview is understood by most job seekers, but we aren't always sure what "appropriate" actually means. In many workplaces, business casual has replaced the suit and tie, but how should the job seeker be dressed for the interview? You want to present the best image you can to potential employers, but the budget often won't stretch to purchase a new suit or interview attire.
Dress for Success can help you look your best and can provide interview and employment clothing to Work Certified Academy members. Learn how on Tuesday with Robin.

Job Club

2009-12-02T06:27:00.000-08:00

A special edition of Job Club will feature Eric Murphy on Friday, December 4, 2009 at 9 AM. If you haven't heard Eric's presentation about taking charge of your life, please join us on Friday. He has extensive experience as a counsellor and life coach and will share with us his unique perspective.
Don't miss it!

Ace the Interview - Get the Job

2009-11-18T05:55:00.000-08:00

Once you have polished your resume to perfection, the next step is to sell yourself at the job interview. The interview process can be long and stressful, but you can give yourself an advantage if you do your homework.

Research the company you are interviewing with. This will give you an idea if the corporate climate is a good match for you.
Present yourself professionally. Dress one step above what you think the workplace requires. So if it's usually business casual, wear a sportcoat or blazer. First impressions count!
Know your resume inside and out. If your resume says that you managed a project in 2002, be ready to give details about that experience. Make sure you are clear on dates and titles before you have to talk about them.
Write down your answers to the most common interview questions and practice your responses. Be ready to explain gaps in your resume or the reasons why you left previous positions. It's much easier to give great answers under pressure if you prepare.
Find the office where you'll be going ahead of time. You will make a much better impression if you are on time and calm. Getting lost or not being able to find parking adds stress. If you will be late, call if you can to let them know.

The interview process is also a two way street. You want to sell yourself to the employer, but you also want to find out as much as you can about the company and the people you would be working with. You need to find a good fit for yourself as much as the employer needs the right hire.

November 9 Class Cancelled

2009-11-09T10:09:00.000-08:00

The Work Certified Academy class scheduled in Washington on November 9, 2009 has been cancelled. The instructor is ill and will not be available to teach the class as scheduled. The class beginning November 9 at the PA CareerLink Mon Valley in Donora will be held as scheduled.
The next class at the Academy in Washington will begin on December 2, 2009. Space is available in that class. We regret any inconvenience that this may cause.

Job Searching Over 40

2009-10-28T06:48:00.000-07:00

The recent economic downturn has hit jobseekers over 40 hard. Struggling employers see an immediate improvement in their bottom line when they lay you off - their most experienced, highest-paid worker. Your years of experience give you the advantage over younger, less seasoned candidates, but age can work against you too.
So what to do? It's a matter of promoting your strengths and watching out for the "age pitfalls" that can work against you. You worry that potential employers will see you as over-priced, inflexible or lacking in energy. To develop the most effective job search plan, you need to address these concerns.

Update your skills or learn something new.
Project energy and cultivate a positive attitude.
Be current in your personal and professional image.
Make sure your resume highlights your most recent accomplishments.
Investigate new career options or consider being your own boss.

Being a job seeker at any age is challenging. But it is also an opportunity to revitalize your career and regain enthusiasm for your work.

Introduction to EXCEL Class

2009-10-27T07:30:00.001-07:00

Ed Kovacik will be presenting an Introduction to EXCEL class on Wednesday, October 28, 2009 at the Academy at 9 AM. The class is open to all Work Certified Academy members and grads. Come and brush up on your EXCEL skills.

Resume Trends

2009-10-20T08:26:00.000-07:00

Who knew that resumes follow trends, just like the latest fashions? And like last year's clothing, there are often subtle updates that make the difference between a great resume and a dated one.
The first page has to grab the employer's eye in 8 to 10 seconds. Some experts suggest putting a clear but general job title at the top of the resume - such as administrative assistant, instructional aide or retail manager. Under that, write two or three bullets or sentences highlighting your primary strengths or accomplishments. Generic objective statements seem out of date and could be included in a cover letter.
Another trend is not to include "References Available Upon Request" at the end of your resume. It is assumed. Bring a separate sheet listing your references to the interview.
Of course there are no absolute rules for resumes, and trends go in and out of fashion. A well organized, uncluttered resume which clearly outlines your exerience and accomplishments is always classic.

Resume Workshop - Ask An Expert

2009-10-19T10:07:00.000-07:00

Mary Jo Latorre of MJ's Resumes will present a seminar on Resume Trends and Creative Cover Letters on Wednesday, October 21, 2009 at 10 AM.
Mary Jo has been a professional resume writer since 1990 and has helped hundreds of job seekers create more successful resumes.
All WCA grads and guests are welcome to attend.

Mon Valley Work Certified Class

2009-10-15T08:57:00.000-07:00

Work Certified Academy will conduct a 2 week job readiness training class at the Mon Valley CareerLink in Donora beginning November 9, 2009. All Washington County residents are eligible to register for the class free of charge.

Please call the Academy at 724-225-2551 to register or for more information.

Introduction to Excel Class

2009-10-07T10:04:00.000-07:00

Join us on Thursday, October 8 at 9 am for Ed Kovacik's Introduction to Excel class. Even if you have used Excel before, Ed gives an excellent overview of this program, and shares some timesaving shortcuts you may not know. He also does magic tricks!

Stress Management

2009-10-05T07:13:00.000-07:00

Job Club is back! Please join us on Wednesday, October 7 at 10 AM for "Stress Management" with Kerissa Kuis. Job searching can be very difficult. Stress can interrupt our sleep and can affect our health in negative ways. Learn some strategies for coping with stress and making better wellness decisions.

Work Certified Academy

2009-04-23T07:45:00.000-07:00

The Washington County Work Certified Academy is now online! Please go to our home page to learn more about the free services that we offer for job seekers and employers in Washington County.