If you remember, earlier this year we posted an article about education requirements for America's job market. Department of Labor indicated that through 2014 about 28% of America's jobs would require a two-year specialized degree. This recent WPXI Pittsburgh story indicates this trend is in fact true:
CCAC court reporting grads see high employment rates before...
Sunday, December 2, 2012
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Reentry Employment Series: Effective Job Clubs
November 27, 2012 at 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
This event requires registration: https://student.gototraining.com/r/3277678593455230976
Teaching your clients how to obtain a job is much more effective than placing clients into a job. The proper setup and utilization of a Job Club not only provides clients a venue for information, but helps to teach valuable networking skills. This workshop provides tips on starting job clubs, structuring job club agendas and helping clients network for employment purposes.
This event requires registration: https://student.gototraining.com/r/3277678593455230976
Teaching your clients how to obtain a job is much more effective than placing clients into a job. The proper setup and utilization of a Job Club not only provides clients a venue for information, but helps to teach valuable networking skills. This workshop provides tips on starting job clubs, structuring job club agendas and helping clients network for employment purposes.
Friday, November 9, 2012
Monday, October 22, 2012
Reentry Employment Series: Why Won't an Employer Hire Ex-Offenders?
The question comes up over and over: Why will some employers simply not hire an ex-offender? Knowing the reasons why an employer cannot can be more valuable than knowing those employers who will.
Join us on Friday, October 26th at 1:00 pm for a unique webinar discussion with Steven Nicholas, HR Specialist at Weavertown Environmental Group. Mr. Nicholas will discuss reasons why an employer will not or cannot hire someone with a criminal background. Topics will include offenses that impact insurance, contract restrictions and more! This workshop will provide valuable HR insight that employment specialists will not get anywhere else.
Seating is limited! Sign up today!
Registration URL:https://student.gototraining.com/r/4545460579632150272
Join us on Friday, October 26th at 1:00 pm for a unique webinar discussion with Steven Nicholas, HR Specialist at Weavertown Environmental Group. Mr. Nicholas will discuss reasons why an employer will not or cannot hire someone with a criminal background. Topics will include offenses that impact insurance, contract restrictions and more! This workshop will provide valuable HR insight that employment specialists will not get anywhere else.
Seating is limited! Sign up today!
Registration URL:https://student.gototraining.com/r/4545460579632150272
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Q & A - The Long Term Unemployed
We are curious to hear your thoughts!
A local college student is completing a paper for her social work class. Did a Q & A with her today. She shared an interesting article with me. It went a little something like this...
Dear Scott,
A local college student is completing a paper for her social work class. Did a Q & A with her today. She shared an interesting article with me. It went a little something like this...
Dear Scott,
1) Why is it so hard now for the long term unemployed to get a job in this job market? What has happened in the last few years that has so drastically changed employment opportunities? Honestly, the employment opportunities are there. They are just not the same employment opportunities people once had. In our region for example, the trades and jobs in energy are booming. These are, however, careers geared towards young people. Many of our long-term unemployed who are at or nearing retirement age cannot take advantage of these jobs. Long-term unemployment is also leading to a lot of complacency. Many, many people...for the first time in their lives...seem to have discovered unemployment compensation and other entitlement programs. It seems like a lot of would-be job seekers are content riding out these programs as long as they can. Employers, too, have not helped the cause. Wages have decreased in most areas except for maybe the trades and energy. Job seekers are comparing their take home from unemployment to the wages currently offered by most employers; job seekers are finding that their financial situation is better on unemployment than it is when working. We have some detail about this on our blog at careertalkweb.blogspot.com. If you don't mind, I'd like to share this dialogue on that blog to see if we get some additional perspectives.
2) What is the best route to take for a long term unemployed person seeking work? Explore any and all available opportunities...even if it doesn't seem like the right fit. I talk with employers everyday who are desperate to make hires. We host many of these employers at our career center, but very few people show up. A representative from the Builders Guild was in today, but only three job seekers showed up for the recruitment. I think sometimes people see an ad or an announcement for a hiring event, and that ad represents a very specific position. What the job seeker doesn't realize is that the same employer who may be hiring customer service reps may also be seeking sales people or office help. While the employer is out recruiting for one specific position, they are keeping their eyes open for candidates to fill other positions. A good example: A rep from a local community corrections center did a hiring event at our center last week. He was primarily there seeking security guards and site monitors. A social worker came to the presentation and learned that the same employer was looking for case managers as well. They were both pleasantly surprised to meet one another.
Long-term unemployed people cannot allow themselves to become inactive. Volunteer. Go to networking events. Utilize community resources. Everyone says that job search is done via the Internet. It's true. Job search is done via the Internet, but hiring is done in person.
3) Are there specific things one should be doing in this changed job market when looking for work? Networking...without a doubt. PA Department of Labor reported last year that 68% of new hires landed their new job as a result of a word-of-mouth referral. Most job seekers are using the Internet and newspaper for job leads. Each of these produces the lowest rate of return (about 1/100 job applications via the Internet results in an interview; about 10/100 job applications via newspaper.) Also, old-fashioned, door-to-door. there are now hiring signs everywhere. I have been posting pictures on them on the McKees Rocks Employment & Training Center Facebook page. They are all over town! I was in Canonsburg earlier this week. Now hiring signs are on billboards, the side of the road, in business windows, etc., etc. Even in depressed areas like McKees Rocks, businesses have the signs out. I spotted one in a hardware store, one at Jackson Hewitt, one for CDL drivers, and more.
Job seekers should also face the fact that the market has changed, and right now it is an employers market. Mitt Romney, in his RNC acceptance speech, talked about the guy who used to make $22 per hour, but has now had to take two separate jobs making $10 per hour each. That doesn't seem right, but it is the reality of the situation. Many people say to me, "I don't want to work two jobs." I've been working two jobs for more than a decade.
4) What other resources are available for the unemployed-besides public assistance, unemployment compensation? (Support groups?) PAPEN is the Pennsylvania Professional Employment Network (www.papen.us). This is a great networking and support group for white-collar workers, sales people, IT professionals, etc. Also, agencies like the one I have. There are neighborhood employment centers all over the region. The Mon Valley Initiative, McKees Rocks Employment & Training Center, Jewish Family & Children Services...to name a few. Our agency has hosted four different employers in the past week. All hiring yesterday! Very few people come out and take advantage of the service. Also, I tell those who have graduated college, a trade school or the like to revisit that school early and often. Even if it has been a number of years, most schools tend to help their alumni. People are apprehensive about returning to their schools for help.
5) Are there resources for the unemployed and their family? Pittsburgh has so many social services. We keep hearing about funding cuts and State budget crisis, but the truth is that there is help out there. Almost every Pittsburgh neighborhood has a social service agency (in and around the City anyway.) Everything from Goodwill to Salvation Army to small agencies like Focus on Renewal or Mon Valley Initiative.
6)There is a study out saying that being long term unemployed is worse than having a criminal record? What are your thoughts on this and why? Without a doubt! Every single employer I talk with says long gaps or a long layoff period in a resume is a red flag. Many employers are getting burned by job seekers who accept 'any job' because it is a job. The employer hires someone on, trains them, and puts them to work only to lose that person two or three months down the line because the worker has found a better opportunity. An HR rep from Waste Management told me that just the HR process alone cost them about $3,500.00 per hire. We run a reentry services program for United States Court; men and women in that program are more successful in the job market right now than those without a record.
Monday, October 8, 2012
Thinking About Thinking: A Bloom’s Taxonomy Primer
Great webinar opportunity for educators, counselors, etc...
“In 1956, Benjamin Bloom headed a group of educational psychologists who developed a classification of levels of intellectual behavior important in learning. Bloom found that over 95% of the test questions students encounter require them to think only at the lowest possible level...the recall of information.”
On Friday, October 19, 2012, guest instructor Mr. Joe Norden will provide an overview of Bloom's Taxonomy, The Hierarchy of Learning and more! Mr. Norden is an accomplished adult educator. His experiences include teaching ESL with the Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council and providing ESL & Writing instruction at Seton Hill University. This workshop is a 'Can't Miss' for educators, careers counselors, ABE/ESL Instructors and anyone else truly interested in student success.
Friday, October 19, 2012 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM EDT
Registration URL: https://student.gototraining.com/r/3378872145117811968
“In 1956, Benjamin Bloom headed a group of educational psychologists who developed a classification of levels of intellectual behavior important in learning. Bloom found that over 95% of the test questions students encounter require them to think only at the lowest possible level...the recall of information.”
On Friday, October 19, 2012, guest instructor Mr. Joe Norden will provide an overview of Bloom's Taxonomy, The Hierarchy of Learning and more! Mr. Norden is an accomplished adult educator. His experiences include teaching ESL with the Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council and providing ESL & Writing instruction at Seton Hill University. This workshop is a 'Can't Miss' for educators, careers counselors, ABE/ESL Instructors and anyone else truly interested in student success.
Friday, October 19, 2012 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM EDT
Registration URL: https://student.gototraining.com/r/3378872145117811968
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Social Media Outlets
'Like' Career Talk on KQV on Facebook to stay up-to-date with guest information, showtimes, and more!
'Like' The McKees Rocks Employment & Training Center on Facebook to learn about Pittsburgh-area job opportunities, career events and training classes.
Follow Scott Albert on twitter @s_albert75
Thanks for your ongoing support!
Saturday, September 22, 2012
You've Been Served!
Since the beginning of the year, foot-traffic at our career center has increased dramatically. In fact, we have served nearly as many job seekers so far this program year as we served all of last year...our program year just began on July 1, 2012. Who we are seeing and what they are saying is raising a lot of questions about services that are available to job seekers as they try to reenter the workforce. Many workers are seeking help for the first time because the job market has certainly changed. Here is a short sample of what our job seekers are saying:
1. A gentleman in his seventies is reentering the workforce because his retirement took an unrecoverable hit over the last four years. As a veteran, he sought help via a local veteran services agency. Despite his limited computer skills and the fact that he did not have an email address, he was told to fill out an online application on his own. He came to use for help with the application, but has yet to hear back from the veteran agency.
2. An eighteen-year-old, smart, articulate, recent graduate of an urban high school would like to be a nurse. There is a major hospital and nursing school located right in her school district's neighborhood. To get her foot in the door, she applied for an entry-level position at the hospital...as an environmental services aide. Her application has been put on hold because of lack of experience. The young lady did not even get an interview.
3. A woman in her seventies, retired from the Nat'l Guard, sought assistance at her local State employment agency. They put her on a computer to complete an enrollment despite the fact that she had never touched a mouse. Uncomfortable in the setting, she left the office the minute staff turned their attention to somebody else.
4. A client who had been previously incarcerated due to a drug offense found out that this driver's license had been suspended for five years. The suspension is related to his drug offense not a driving violation. In fact, he has never had a driving violation. The five year suspension, he assumed, ran concurrent to his five year incarceration. He contacted the State to learn how he might reinstate his driving privileges. The State informed him that his five-year suspension never began because he never filed an acknowledgement form with the DMV. As such, this gentleman who received carpentry training while serving time, has to wait five years before getting his driver's license. Needless to say, this cripples his chances of working in the construction industry.
I could go on and on. I could point out the obvious, but I will let the readers draw their own conclusions. What I would like to do is hear from you all. What is going on out there? Have you sought employment assistance? If so, has it been a good or bad experience for you? Please share your stories because they will provide value to other job seekers, services providers and the like.
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Monday, September 10, 2012
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Ask the Counselor!
Career Talk with Scott Albert on KQV Radio is piloting a new segment this month. The new segment is titled, “Ask the Counselor.” We are asking our Facebook fans and followers of our blog to share questions regarding careers, job search, blog topics, previous guests, etc. If you have a question that you would like to have answered on the air, please post to the Facebook page or the blog or email scott@thealbertinstitute.com. Thanks in advance. And, thanks for listening!
New World Order?
If you listen to the show, follow the blog or have participated in any of our webinar sessions via thealbertinstitute.com, then you already know how I spend the majority of my days. Basically, I do two things: 1. Counsel job seekers; 2. Strategize with employers. This work has proven to me that there is a serious disconnect between job seekers and employers.
Comments from job seekers typically go something like this:
"I'm too old; nobody wants to hire me."
"I don't have the experience most employers are looking for."
"My former felony prevents me from working."
"I'm an African-American woman, and most employers do not give me a chance."
Meanwhile, the employers says:
"People do not want to work."
"Only 1/3 of the interviews I schedule actually show up for the interview."
"People I hire only work until they get their first check then I never see them again."
"I can not find motivated people; some of my employees don't even call when they take off work."
"I can train a worker to do the job if that worker is willing to show up for work."
I heard another Pittsburgh talk show host interview a representative from an energy company. That rep said about half of every 100 interviews they schedule will show up for the interview. Of that half, maybe 10 can pass the drug test. A friend of mine, who happens to be a superintendent for a Pittsburgh-area school district, tells me that some of his staff will take a day off but never call in sick...teachers included! They return to work the next day as if nothing ever happened.
On the flip side, employers are sticking it to the worker. Make no mistake about it...workers are being mistreated. We have people in our career center who refuse to apply for jobs because they are earning more money on unemployment. My first reaction to this is to be upset with the job seekers. However, we are talking about people who have 20+ years into their most recent job. One lady was earning close to $25 per hour, and she is now receiving offers at $8 or $9 per hour. How can anyone expect her to take that step backwards. A friend of mine who is a marketing specialist cannot secure employment. Despite the fact that she is brilliant, speaks multiple languages and has years of experience with a prominent Pittsburgh company, the offers she receives are lousy. Recently, she was offered a position as a marketing director at one of Pittsburgh's largest and most respected non-profit organizations. Starting salary was $23,000 per year! With a child already in college and one getting ready to go, my friend's choice was to stay on unemployment.
So what is to be done? Honestly, is there a solution in sight? Mitt Romney, in last week's acceptance address at the RNC, told a proud story about the worker earning $22 per hour in a previous job who now has to work two $10 per hour jobs to make ends meet. Former President Bill Clinton, at this week's DNC, said American workers need to prepare for the new economy. Is this the New World order we all read about in the 1990's? It's obvious that both job seekers are employers need to give and take a little. I have some additional thoughts on the matter, but I would like to start the discussion be hearing from others. What do you all think?
Comments from job seekers typically go something like this:
"I'm too old; nobody wants to hire me."
"I don't have the experience most employers are looking for."
"My former felony prevents me from working."
"I'm an African-American woman, and most employers do not give me a chance."
Meanwhile, the employers says:
"People do not want to work."
"Only 1/3 of the interviews I schedule actually show up for the interview."
"People I hire only work until they get their first check then I never see them again."
"I can not find motivated people; some of my employees don't even call when they take off work."
"I can train a worker to do the job if that worker is willing to show up for work."
I heard another Pittsburgh talk show host interview a representative from an energy company. That rep said about half of every 100 interviews they schedule will show up for the interview. Of that half, maybe 10 can pass the drug test. A friend of mine, who happens to be a superintendent for a Pittsburgh-area school district, tells me that some of his staff will take a day off but never call in sick...teachers included! They return to work the next day as if nothing ever happened.
On the flip side, employers are sticking it to the worker. Make no mistake about it...workers are being mistreated. We have people in our career center who refuse to apply for jobs because they are earning more money on unemployment. My first reaction to this is to be upset with the job seekers. However, we are talking about people who have 20+ years into their most recent job. One lady was earning close to $25 per hour, and she is now receiving offers at $8 or $9 per hour. How can anyone expect her to take that step backwards. A friend of mine who is a marketing specialist cannot secure employment. Despite the fact that she is brilliant, speaks multiple languages and has years of experience with a prominent Pittsburgh company, the offers she receives are lousy. Recently, she was offered a position as a marketing director at one of Pittsburgh's largest and most respected non-profit organizations. Starting salary was $23,000 per year! With a child already in college and one getting ready to go, my friend's choice was to stay on unemployment.
So what is to be done? Honestly, is there a solution in sight? Mitt Romney, in last week's acceptance address at the RNC, told a proud story about the worker earning $22 per hour in a previous job who now has to work two $10 per hour jobs to make ends meet. Former President Bill Clinton, at this week's DNC, said American workers need to prepare for the new economy. Is this the New World order we all read about in the 1990's? It's obvious that both job seekers are employers need to give and take a little. I have some additional thoughts on the matter, but I would like to start the discussion be hearing from others. What do you all think?
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Drilling Deeper - Who Is Hiring?
Service companies are booming as a result of natural gas exploration. Here are a few examples...
Universal Well Services
CDL Class A - Seeking CDL drivers to service oil & gas wells throughout Western Pennsylvania. Main office location is in Meadville, PA. Twelve hour shifts. On call possibilities. Must be willing to perform physical well duties in addition to driving. Drives in all weather conditions. Great pay and benefits. This is an excellent opportunity for a driver seeking work in the Marcellus Shale industry.
Mail resumes and cover letters to: HR Manager, 13549 S. Mosiertown Road, Meadville, PA 16335
Weatherford International
Several positions including CDL Driver/Heavy Equipment Operators, Mechanics, Well Test Operators, Material Handlers, Sales Representatives and more. Locations include Williamsport, Leetsdale, Towanda, Canonsburg, Buckhannon (WV), and Punxsutawney. Visit www.weatherford.jobs for more info, a complete job vacancies list and application procedures.
Frac Tech
Drivers & Well Site Workers – Frac Tech has immediate openings for CDL Licensed Drivers and Heavy Equipment Operators. Company is located in Brownsville, PA but work is scattered throughout the Western & Northern Pennsylvania regions. Frac Tech is a leader in the Oil & Gas Industry. Excellent compensation, benefits, etc. Applications available for print online at www.fractech.net/careers.
Somerset Regional Water Resources
Somerset Regional Water Resources is to provide environmentally friendly water-related services to natural gas companies including delivery, removal, and cleaning of wastewaters. Seeking truck drivers and environmental technicians for two locations: Somerset, PA and Tunkhannock, PA. Must have CDL Class A for Drivers. Must hold Hazmat/Hazwop certification for technicians. Learn more at www.srwr-pa.com.
Weavertown Environmental Group
CDL Drivers Tanker/Hazmat Preferred. Seeking Class A or B w/ Tri-Axle experience. Seeking Class A or B for Field Service, Tanker/Vacuum Truck operation. Duties to include various driving & field work, driving & operating company vehicles. Vac trucks on jobs, take people/equipment to job sites, transfer drums, deliver waste to & from landfills. Additionally, drivers support the Technicians in the field with various jobs.
ALL CANDIDATES CAN EMAIL RESUMES TO HRSTAFF@WEAVERTOWN.COM
Waste Management
Seeking drivers and drivers’ helpers. All drivers must hold a CDL license. Helpers do not need to have a CDL. Positions available throughout SWPA & SEOH. Search for location and apply online at www.wm.com/careers.
Oil Services Field Technician – See www.wm.com/careers for full description.
Universal Well Services
CDL Class A - Seeking CDL drivers to service oil & gas wells throughout Western Pennsylvania. Main office location is in Meadville, PA. Twelve hour shifts. On call possibilities. Must be willing to perform physical well duties in addition to driving. Drives in all weather conditions. Great pay and benefits. This is an excellent opportunity for a driver seeking work in the Marcellus Shale industry.
Mail resumes and cover letters to: HR Manager, 13549 S. Mosiertown Road, Meadville, PA 16335
Weatherford International
Several positions including CDL Driver/Heavy Equipment Operators, Mechanics, Well Test Operators, Material Handlers, Sales Representatives and more. Locations include Williamsport, Leetsdale, Towanda, Canonsburg, Buckhannon (WV), and Punxsutawney. Visit www.weatherford.jobs for more info, a complete job vacancies list and application procedures.
Frac Tech
Drivers & Well Site Workers – Frac Tech has immediate openings for CDL Licensed Drivers and Heavy Equipment Operators. Company is located in Brownsville, PA but work is scattered throughout the Western & Northern Pennsylvania regions. Frac Tech is a leader in the Oil & Gas Industry. Excellent compensation, benefits, etc. Applications available for print online at www.fractech.net/careers.
Somerset Regional Water Resources
Somerset Regional Water Resources is to provide environmentally friendly water-related services to natural gas companies including delivery, removal, and cleaning of wastewaters. Seeking truck drivers and environmental technicians for two locations: Somerset, PA and Tunkhannock, PA. Must have CDL Class A for Drivers. Must hold Hazmat/Hazwop certification for technicians. Learn more at www.srwr-pa.com.
Weavertown Environmental Group
CDL Drivers Tanker/Hazmat Preferred. Seeking Class A or B w/ Tri-Axle experience. Seeking Class A or B for Field Service, Tanker/Vacuum Truck operation. Duties to include various driving & field work, driving & operating company vehicles. Vac trucks on jobs, take people/equipment to job sites, transfer drums, deliver waste to & from landfills. Additionally, drivers support the Technicians in the field with various jobs.
ALL CANDIDATES CAN EMAIL RESUMES TO HRSTAFF@WEAVERTOWN.COM
Waste Management
Seeking drivers and drivers’ helpers. All drivers must hold a CDL license. Helpers do not need to have a CDL. Positions available throughout SWPA & SEOH. Search for location and apply online at www.wm.com/careers.
Oil Services Field Technician – See www.wm.com/careers for full description.
Sunday, September 2, 2012
Marcellus Shale: Production Phase Employment
Natural Gas Production
Petroleum Engineers, Heavy Equipment Maintenance Tech, Pumper, Production Foremen, Roustabout, Operator, Compressor Operator, Production Engineer, Equipment Calibration, Communications Tech, Supt, etc.
Reclamation
CDL Drivers, Site Management, Environmental Specialist, Landscapers, Civil Engineer, etc.
Overall
Inspectors, Water Treatment, Water Monitoring, Lobbying, Community Affairs, PR, Calibration officials, Corrosion Techs, Environmental Engineers, Health & Safety, Purchasing, IT, Office Management, Accounting, Clerks, Data Entry, Admin Support, etc.
Petroleum Engineers, Heavy Equipment Maintenance Tech, Pumper, Production Foremen, Roustabout, Operator, Compressor Operator, Production Engineer, Equipment Calibration, Communications Tech, Supt, etc.
Reclamation
CDL Drivers, Site Management, Environmental Specialist, Landscapers, Civil Engineer, etc.
Overall
Inspectors, Water Treatment, Water Monitoring, Lobbying, Community Affairs, PR, Calibration officials, Corrosion Techs, Environmental Engineers, Health & Safety, Purchasing, IT, Office Management, Accounting, Clerks, Data Entry, Admin Support, etc.
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Marcellus Shale - Drilling Phase Jobs
Drilling
Drilling Eng, Supt, Tool Pusher, Company Man, Roughnecks, Diesel Tech, Rig Movers, Heavy Equip, CDL Drivers, Mudmen, Welders, Electricians, Cement, Well Logging, Directional Drilling, Geologist
Frac’ing and Completion
Petroleum Engineers, Supervisors, Supt, Foreman, Safety, Site Management, Frac Crew, Heavy Equip, Maintenance Tech, CDL Drivers, Roustabouts, Crane Operators, Environmental Inspection
Compression Construction
Logging, Construction Managers, Welders, Helpers, X-Ray, X-Ray tech, General Labor, Land Clearing, Foreman, Pipeline Inspection, Engineers
Pipeline Construction
Construction Managers, Foreman, Supt, Petroleum Engineers, Pipe Fitters, Welders, Helpers, Inspectors, X-Ray, X-Ray Tech, General labor, Boreing Crew, Environmental Tech-Monitor Reclamation, Operational Landmen, Surveyors, Helpers, Civil Engineering
Water Management
CDL Drivers, Water Haulers, Hydrologist/Water Supervisor, Water Testing, Biologist
Overall
Environmental Technicians, Lawyers, Permitting Technicians, Road Crews, Heavy Equip, CDL, Local Liaison, Safety, First Aid, Security, Calibration Tech, Office Management, Clerks, Data Entry, Financial, Procurement, Inventory, Business Management, Accountants, Office Support, IT/Computer, Purchasing, etc.
Drilling Eng, Supt, Tool Pusher, Company Man, Roughnecks, Diesel Tech, Rig Movers, Heavy Equip, CDL Drivers, Mudmen, Welders, Electricians, Cement, Well Logging, Directional Drilling, Geologist
Frac’ing and Completion
Petroleum Engineers, Supervisors, Supt, Foreman, Safety, Site Management, Frac Crew, Heavy Equip, Maintenance Tech, CDL Drivers, Roustabouts, Crane Operators, Environmental Inspection
Compression Construction
Logging, Construction Managers, Welders, Helpers, X-Ray, X-Ray tech, General Labor, Land Clearing, Foreman, Pipeline Inspection, Engineers
Pipeline Construction
Construction Managers, Foreman, Supt, Petroleum Engineers, Pipe Fitters, Welders, Helpers, Inspectors, X-Ray, X-Ray Tech, General labor, Boreing Crew, Environmental Tech-Monitor Reclamation, Operational Landmen, Surveyors, Helpers, Civil Engineering
Water Management
CDL Drivers, Water Haulers, Hydrologist/Water Supervisor, Water Testing, Biologist
Overall
Environmental Technicians, Lawyers, Permitting Technicians, Road Crews, Heavy Equip, CDL, Local Liaison, Safety, First Aid, Security, Calibration Tech, Office Management, Clerks, Data Entry, Financial, Procurement, Inventory, Business Management, Accountants, Office Support, IT/Computer, Purchasing, etc.
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Marcellus Shale: Pre-Drilling Phase Employment
Geological
Geologists, Hydro Geologists, Petroleum Engineers, Chemists, Cartographer, GIS Technicians
Seismic
Geophysicists, Project Management, CDL Drivers, Crew
Public Land
Water Management, Forester, Archeology, Biologist, Environmental Specialist
Mineral Rights
Landmen, Lawyers, Paralegal, Title, Lease Acquisition, Lease Admin.,
Permitting
Environmental Technicians, Lawyers, Permitting Technicians
Staking
Roadman, Surveyors, Civil Engineer, Civil Tech, Leasing Agents, Land Clearing, Heavy Equip. Operators & Techs, Logging
Water Management
Water Transfer/CDL Driver, Hydrologist, Techs
Geologists, Hydro Geologists, Petroleum Engineers, Chemists, Cartographer, GIS Technicians
Seismic
Geophysicists, Project Management, CDL Drivers, Crew
Public Land
Water Management, Forester, Archeology, Biologist, Environmental Specialist
Mineral Rights
Landmen, Lawyers, Paralegal, Title, Lease Acquisition, Lease Admin.,
Permitting
Environmental Technicians, Lawyers, Permitting Technicians
Staking
Roadman, Surveyors, Civil Engineer, Civil Tech, Leasing Agents, Land Clearing, Heavy Equip. Operators & Techs, Logging
Water Management
Water Transfer/CDL Driver, Hydrologist, Techs
Saturday, August 25, 2012
Confessions of an MTV Junkie
Last week, I had a nice long drive to North Central Ohio and back. I traded in John, Paul, George and Ringo for the 1980's channel on my XM Satellite Radio. Driving across I-80 (coincidence?), I soon realized that I know the words to every corny, crappy song ever made in the 1980's. How is this possible? When Billy Ocean's, "Get Out of My Dreams, Get Into My Car," came on and I knew every word, the answer was clear. I spent way too much time as a kid watching MTV.
Seriously, if anyone would have asked me about any of the artists or songs from the 1980's, I would have been clueless. Yet, as soon as the sounds of those snappy beats and funky keyboards began to reverberate off the interior walls of my truck, each and every note, chord, word, AND video image came back to me. I can remember the frame by frame images of Europe's, "The Final Countdown," video more clearly than my son's first time on a bike or my daughter's first softball hit. Think about how scary that is!
Let's think about what this has to do with Career Development. Imagine if I, and the millions of other 30-somethings who spent 1000's of hours watching MTV, would have spent that time studying physics or literature or anything else. At a minimum, more of us would vote in the next Presidential Election than for the next American Idol. Don't get me wrong. I was a pretty well-rounded kid having played ball, picked at a guitar and read the occasional book. But I don't think I studied anything as much as I studied MTV videos. No wonder my generation in probably the least informed generation in the history of the USA. With the advent of Facebook, YouTube, Gaming and the myriad of other social media, one has to wonder what our next generation will be like.
My generation and the next should be among the world's most educated and well-informed group of Americans. iPads, WiFi, Cable TV, etc. give us all access to more information than the public library could ever possibly make available. What do we all use it for? I have a very bright...possibly brilliant...teenager who does not know John Wayne or Isaac Newton or even Marilyn Monroe. For goodness sakes! I thought it was a prerequisite for a teenage boy to stumble across Marilyn Monroe photos someplace! All of this really makes one wonder what we are all doing with the instant access to information that technology has afforded us. Is technology just distracting us from what is really going on? Our center was full of job seekers this week who keep telling me that 'nobody' is hiring. Yet, I got out of my dream and into my car, drove around and counted over 100 help wanted signs within a ten miles radius of our career center.
Seriously, if anyone would have asked me about any of the artists or songs from the 1980's, I would have been clueless. Yet, as soon as the sounds of those snappy beats and funky keyboards began to reverberate off the interior walls of my truck, each and every note, chord, word, AND video image came back to me. I can remember the frame by frame images of Europe's, "The Final Countdown," video more clearly than my son's first time on a bike or my daughter's first softball hit. Think about how scary that is!
Let's think about what this has to do with Career Development. Imagine if I, and the millions of other 30-somethings who spent 1000's of hours watching MTV, would have spent that time studying physics or literature or anything else. At a minimum, more of us would vote in the next Presidential Election than for the next American Idol. Don't get me wrong. I was a pretty well-rounded kid having played ball, picked at a guitar and read the occasional book. But I don't think I studied anything as much as I studied MTV videos. No wonder my generation in probably the least informed generation in the history of the USA. With the advent of Facebook, YouTube, Gaming and the myriad of other social media, one has to wonder what our next generation will be like.
My generation and the next should be among the world's most educated and well-informed group of Americans. iPads, WiFi, Cable TV, etc. give us all access to more information than the public library could ever possibly make available. What do we all use it for? I have a very bright...possibly brilliant...teenager who does not know John Wayne or Isaac Newton or even Marilyn Monroe. For goodness sakes! I thought it was a prerequisite for a teenage boy to stumble across Marilyn Monroe photos someplace! All of this really makes one wonder what we are all doing with the instant access to information that technology has afforded us. Is technology just distracting us from what is really going on? Our center was full of job seekers this week who keep telling me that 'nobody' is hiring. Yet, I got out of my dream and into my car, drove around and counted over 100 help wanted signs within a ten miles radius of our career center.
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Community Development Creates Jobs, But Who is Applying?
My company runs an employment center in McKees Rocks, PA, which is just outside of Pittsburgh (learn more at www.thealbertinstitute.com.) McKees Rocks is a small town; in fact, a walk from one end of the main street to another is just about 1.5 miles. There are just over 6000 residents. About 19% of those residents are documented as unemployed.
Now, you can probably guess by those unemployment numbers that McKees Rocks is a small, poverty stricken town where crime is high and resources are low. Lack of education, limited transportation and just general disenfranchisement probably lead to high unemployment, right? To some degree this is true, but let me tell you what is really going on in this Small Town, USA.
We partnered with the McKees Rocks Community Development Corporation (CDC) in October of 2006 to open the employment center. The center serves about 150 job seekers per year, but those job seekers come from all over the Pittsburgh-area; they are not just McKees Rocks residents. Simultaneous to the employment center's efforts, the McKees Rocks CDC has made tremendous efforts to stabilize and revitalize the community. Those efforts include transformation of the neighborhood's shopping plaza, which drew in a new Rite-Aid, Aldi's and Subway. The CDC has recently been involved in helping advocate for and advertise the opening of a Bottom Dollar store. Now, the McKees Rocks CDC is helping to spearhead the development of an industrial park that will result in approximately 1000 new jobs for the town.
These efforts have generated 100's of new jobs. So many businesses in McKees Rocks are hiring. The steel fabricators and machine shops are seeking skilled and unskilled labor; the stores are filling retail positions. A temp-to-perm staffing agency has opened to help fill these positions. The community development efforts have, without a doubt, helped to generate new jobs. McKees Rocks is a great case study to prove that community development and employment go hand-in-hand. Yet, the unemployment rate is higher in McKees Rocks than in most areas around Pittsburgh.
So, we start this month's discussion around community development with this question: If community revitalization efforts and the trend for young professionals to live in small towns near big cities is happening all over the country, why aren't local residents taking advantage of the new jobs? I drove through my small borough on Saturday and counted over 30 different 'Help Wanted' or 'Now Hiring' signs. Everything from the local Midas to Pizza Hut to the small mom & pop coffee house is seeking workers, but cannot find applicants. The efforts to rebuild small towns seems to be generating jobs, but who is taking advantage of these employment opportunities?
Now, you can probably guess by those unemployment numbers that McKees Rocks is a small, poverty stricken town where crime is high and resources are low. Lack of education, limited transportation and just general disenfranchisement probably lead to high unemployment, right? To some degree this is true, but let me tell you what is really going on in this Small Town, USA.
We partnered with the McKees Rocks Community Development Corporation (CDC) in October of 2006 to open the employment center. The center serves about 150 job seekers per year, but those job seekers come from all over the Pittsburgh-area; they are not just McKees Rocks residents. Simultaneous to the employment center's efforts, the McKees Rocks CDC has made tremendous efforts to stabilize and revitalize the community. Those efforts include transformation of the neighborhood's shopping plaza, which drew in a new Rite-Aid, Aldi's and Subway. The CDC has recently been involved in helping advocate for and advertise the opening of a Bottom Dollar store. Now, the McKees Rocks CDC is helping to spearhead the development of an industrial park that will result in approximately 1000 new jobs for the town.
These efforts have generated 100's of new jobs. So many businesses in McKees Rocks are hiring. The steel fabricators and machine shops are seeking skilled and unskilled labor; the stores are filling retail positions. A temp-to-perm staffing agency has opened to help fill these positions. The community development efforts have, without a doubt, helped to generate new jobs. McKees Rocks is a great case study to prove that community development and employment go hand-in-hand. Yet, the unemployment rate is higher in McKees Rocks than in most areas around Pittsburgh.
So, we start this month's discussion around community development with this question: If community revitalization efforts and the trend for young professionals to live in small towns near big cities is happening all over the country, why aren't local residents taking advantage of the new jobs? I drove through my small borough on Saturday and counted over 30 different 'Help Wanted' or 'Now Hiring' signs. Everything from the local Midas to Pizza Hut to the small mom & pop coffee house is seeking workers, but cannot find applicants. The efforts to rebuild small towns seems to be generating jobs, but who is taking advantage of these employment opportunities?
Sunday, July 15, 2012
American Idle
So, my 14-year old son comes to me about two months ago and says, "I want the new iPad." I delivered the standard parent line, "You better get a job." Well, at age 14, he cannot legally work in Pennsylvania. Instead, he spent roughly 30 days cutting neighbors' grass, cleaning a teacher's garage, fixing friends' computers (he's kind of a computer wiz), and recycling aluminum cans. He set up a stage for a local high school and cleaned his grandmother's windows. In less than two months, he had almost $600 cash in hand, which he used to purchase his iPad.
Like most parents and teenagers, my son and I fight like cats and dogs. And, many days I wonder what planet he came from. But there are so many times when he makes me extremely proud. This is certainly one of them. Think about what he did. He used a talent to earn some money...in this case his IT ability to fix computers and set up the stage. For the rest, he simply worked hard!
This kid has worked one odd job or another since he was about 11 years old. I like to think maybe it is a work ethic he has learned at home as his mother and father both work full-time, and I often take on a part-time job to earn extra cash. But what about everybody else?
This week I was helping a teacher research openings in a local school district. We uncovered a handful of jobs...all in districts with a 12% or higher unemployment rate! That is double our local average, folks. The unemployment rate in the neighborhood where we run our employment center is close to 15%. That's the reported number; it would be much higher if we counted everyone who is not working. Why? It's time to stop blaming this on the 'economy' or government...well, maybe not government.
I drive just two miles to my office everyday and pass more than 20 'Now Hiring' or 'Help Wanted' signs. Every business in town has them hanging in the window! We hosted a job fair in October for some 20 employers. Our state representative sent out 5500 mailers to local residents. In addition, our staff made hunders of calls to let local job seekers know about the event. Less than 70 people showed up for the job fair. Our employment center recently hosted a recruitment for UPMC, the region's largest employer. Despite hundreds of calls, email blasts, Facebook postings and various other announcements, only about ten people showed up for the recruitment.
Job seekers tell me, "I cannot find a job doing what I like to do," or, "If I accept this full-time job, I might have to work a part-time job to make ends meet." Does anyone think my 14-year-old son enjoyed cleaning a garage in 95 degree heat? I certainly do not enjoy sending in my loan payments for a teaching degree that I have never used in the job market. John Lennon sang, "Life is what happens while you're busy making other plans." I think it is time for that 12-15% to accept the changes in our market and do what needs to be done in order to get an idle America back to work.
Like most parents and teenagers, my son and I fight like cats and dogs. And, many days I wonder what planet he came from. But there are so many times when he makes me extremely proud. This is certainly one of them. Think about what he did. He used a talent to earn some money...in this case his IT ability to fix computers and set up the stage. For the rest, he simply worked hard!
This kid has worked one odd job or another since he was about 11 years old. I like to think maybe it is a work ethic he has learned at home as his mother and father both work full-time, and I often take on a part-time job to earn extra cash. But what about everybody else?
This week I was helping a teacher research openings in a local school district. We uncovered a handful of jobs...all in districts with a 12% or higher unemployment rate! That is double our local average, folks. The unemployment rate in the neighborhood where we run our employment center is close to 15%. That's the reported number; it would be much higher if we counted everyone who is not working. Why? It's time to stop blaming this on the 'economy' or government...well, maybe not government.
I drive just two miles to my office everyday and pass more than 20 'Now Hiring' or 'Help Wanted' signs. Every business in town has them hanging in the window! We hosted a job fair in October for some 20 employers. Our state representative sent out 5500 mailers to local residents. In addition, our staff made hunders of calls to let local job seekers know about the event. Less than 70 people showed up for the job fair. Our employment center recently hosted a recruitment for UPMC, the region's largest employer. Despite hundreds of calls, email blasts, Facebook postings and various other announcements, only about ten people showed up for the recruitment.
Job seekers tell me, "I cannot find a job doing what I like to do," or, "If I accept this full-time job, I might have to work a part-time job to make ends meet." Does anyone think my 14-year-old son enjoyed cleaning a garage in 95 degree heat? I certainly do not enjoy sending in my loan payments for a teaching degree that I have never used in the job market. John Lennon sang, "Life is what happens while you're busy making other plans." I think it is time for that 12-15% to accept the changes in our market and do what needs to be done in order to get an idle America back to work.
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
How Education Cuts Impact a Local Economy
Pennsylvania, for the second year in a row, signed its budget on time. Should residents celebrate the timeliness or mourn the fact that little deliberation occurred? Last year, $1 BILLION was slashed from public education. This year's budget fails to restore any of the $1 billion. So, let us examine what that means for Pennsylvania residents.
Here are recent headlines from local newspapers...
July 2, 2012:
Somerset Daily American, "Berlin School Board raises taxes"
Harrisburg Patriot-News, "Central Dauphin School District officials expect more tax hikes in coming years"
Reading Eagle, "In Berks County, all but three Berks County school districts are raising taxes"
June 29, 2012:
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, "North Allegheny School Board approves tax hike"
Scranton Times Tribune, "Riverside School District cuts eight teachers"
Scranton Times Tribune, "Laurel Highlands School Board OKs tax hike, layoffs"
Wilkes-Barre Times Leader, "Wilkes-Barre Area School District passes final fiscal plan with tax hike"
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, "Greensburg Salem school board raises tax increase to most allowed by law"
Beaver County Times, "Moon Area School District approves 52 support staff layoffs"
June 28, 2012:
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, "Despite tearful pleas, Armstrong School Board votes to close schools"
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, "West Mifflin Area school board continues debate on furloughs, school closing proposed in $43.7 million spending plan"
Allentown Morning Call, "Easton Area School Board announces teacher layoff list"
Shall I go on?
These cuts have already cost the State of Pennsylvania more than 11,000 jobs! More taxes and higher unemployment....not to mention a new generation of American workers missing out on quality education. That's what cuts to a state's education budget will do to a local economy.
Learn more on this month's Career Talk on KQV when we discuss the matter with PA State Representative Dan Deasy. Also, follow it all on Facebook...just like 'Career Talk on KQV.'
Here are recent headlines from local newspapers...
July 2, 2012:
Somerset Daily American, "Berlin School Board raises taxes"
Harrisburg Patriot-News, "Central Dauphin School District officials expect more tax hikes in coming years"
Reading Eagle, "In Berks County, all but three Berks County school districts are raising taxes"
June 29, 2012:
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, "North Allegheny School Board approves tax hike"
Scranton Times Tribune, "Riverside School District cuts eight teachers"
Scranton Times Tribune, "Laurel Highlands School Board OKs tax hike, layoffs"
Wilkes-Barre Times Leader, "Wilkes-Barre Area School District passes final fiscal plan with tax hike"
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, "Greensburg Salem school board raises tax increase to most allowed by law"
Beaver County Times, "Moon Area School District approves 52 support staff layoffs"
June 28, 2012:
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, "Despite tearful pleas, Armstrong School Board votes to close schools"
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, "West Mifflin Area school board continues debate on furloughs, school closing proposed in $43.7 million spending plan"
Allentown Morning Call, "Easton Area School Board announces teacher layoff list"
Shall I go on?
These cuts have already cost the State of Pennsylvania more than 11,000 jobs! More taxes and higher unemployment....not to mention a new generation of American workers missing out on quality education. That's what cuts to a state's education budget will do to a local economy.
Learn more on this month's Career Talk on KQV when we discuss the matter with PA State Representative Dan Deasy. Also, follow it all on Facebook...just like 'Career Talk on KQV.'
Friday, June 29, 2012
A Letter From a Fan
Dennis in Pittsburgh sent me this letter via email today...
"Wish you had time to listen to the Marty Griffin show today. There was a representative from Range Resources on his show. Just as you have said over and over, salaries for jobs in the Shale Industry average about $70,000.00 a year. They were talking about the training and how to apply for a job. From what I heard they did not mention your place by name but they did make a reference that people can go through State job placement agencies. Training can cost as much as $7800.00 to $0 if you’re unemployed and qualify for the funding.
They also stated that the main problem for Range Resources and Employment services is that people cannot pass the drug test. Gave an example…they had 100 people apply for an interview…50 showed up. Out of that 50 only 3 passed the drug test.
Again they stressed there are jobs out there that they cannot find people to fill! They also touched on what you have been saying on your show: If people have to pay $8000.00 for training to get a job starting out at $70,000.00 a year with benefits, compare that to $80,000.00 to $100,000.00 in student loans for college just to get a job making the same or less after graduation.
Wish you could have heard it!"
"Wish you had time to listen to the Marty Griffin show today. There was a representative from Range Resources on his show. Just as you have said over and over, salaries for jobs in the Shale Industry average about $70,000.00 a year. They were talking about the training and how to apply for a job. From what I heard they did not mention your place by name but they did make a reference that people can go through State job placement agencies. Training can cost as much as $7800.00 to $0 if you’re unemployed and qualify for the funding.
They also stated that the main problem for Range Resources and Employment services is that people cannot pass the drug test. Gave an example…they had 100 people apply for an interview…50 showed up. Out of that 50 only 3 passed the drug test.
Again they stressed there are jobs out there that they cannot find people to fill! They also touched on what you have been saying on your show: If people have to pay $8000.00 for training to get a job starting out at $70,000.00 a year with benefits, compare that to $80,000.00 to $100,000.00 in student loans for college just to get a job making the same or less after graduation.
Wish you could have heard it!"
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Do State Budgets Really Impact Job Growth?
It's the most wonderful time of the year...
Well, not really. It is again that time when State governments will haggle over line items, spending cuts and appropriations. What does it all really mean in relation to job growth, unemployment and the economy? Throughout the month of July, Career Talk will examine this very issue. We begin with the blog, will coordinate related webinars (via www.thealbertinstitute.com) and ultimately interview special guest PA Representative Dan Deasy on the July airing of Career Talk on KQV Radio.
Let's start with an examination of recent job growth. According to ADP, the private sector added 133,000 new jobs in May of 2012...up from 119,000 in April of 2012. Job growth in the private sector has slowly but consistently grown since February of 2009 with small, community-based businesses leading the way. These are the backbone of American business and employ more than 50% of workers in the private sector. Companies of just 49 workers or less accounted for 67,000 of the 133,000 new jobs created in May.
As the private sector slowly grows, the public sector remains...without question...the drain on the nation's economy. Since February of 2009, the nation has lost more than 600,000 public sector jobs. The unemployment rate would be approximately 2.5% less if we still had those jobs. Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter recently appeared on Fox News and discussed recent layoffs 100's of Philadelphia police officers, teachers and fire fighters. As he spoke, Fox ran all of the positive private sector job stats along the ticker.
So, to get back to the original point, I have to ask: Do State budgets help the private sector and subsequently contribute to job growth? In PA, we have certainly seen how a mismanaged budget can contribute to job loss. Our State funded colleges, facing a potential 30% funding cut, may feel the sting this year. But, these losses have primarily been private sector losses. Perhaps this all lends itself to a much large question: Is America's economy struggling because we no longer 'make/produce' anything or is it struggling because modern-day politics has interfered with public sector growth?
Well, not really. It is again that time when State governments will haggle over line items, spending cuts and appropriations. What does it all really mean in relation to job growth, unemployment and the economy? Throughout the month of July, Career Talk will examine this very issue. We begin with the blog, will coordinate related webinars (via www.thealbertinstitute.com) and ultimately interview special guest PA Representative Dan Deasy on the July airing of Career Talk on KQV Radio.
Let's start with an examination of recent job growth. According to ADP, the private sector added 133,000 new jobs in May of 2012...up from 119,000 in April of 2012. Job growth in the private sector has slowly but consistently grown since February of 2009 with small, community-based businesses leading the way. These are the backbone of American business and employ more than 50% of workers in the private sector. Companies of just 49 workers or less accounted for 67,000 of the 133,000 new jobs created in May.
As the private sector slowly grows, the public sector remains...without question...the drain on the nation's economy. Since February of 2009, the nation has lost more than 600,000 public sector jobs. The unemployment rate would be approximately 2.5% less if we still had those jobs. Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter recently appeared on Fox News and discussed recent layoffs 100's of Philadelphia police officers, teachers and fire fighters. As he spoke, Fox ran all of the positive private sector job stats along the ticker.
So, to get back to the original point, I have to ask: Do State budgets help the private sector and subsequently contribute to job growth? In PA, we have certainly seen how a mismanaged budget can contribute to job loss. Our State funded colleges, facing a potential 30% funding cut, may feel the sting this year. But, these losses have primarily been private sector losses. Perhaps this all lends itself to a much large question: Is America's economy struggling because we no longer 'make/produce' anything or is it struggling because modern-day politics has interfered with public sector growth?
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Tell Me What's Really Goin On - Conclusion
Well, it is obvious to me that drilling and mining is a way of life here in Central WV. They are not experiencing anything new like we are in SW Pennsylvania. In fact, it would probably be a cultural and economic shock if this type of work left this region.
I did have dinner tonight with a colleague from Parkersburg, West Virginia, which sits in the mid-Ohio Valley across the river from Marietta, OH. She says they are seeing first-hand evidence of a Marcellus Shale boom. In fact, the Marietta campground, she says, is full of campers that are occupied by shale workers from all over the country.
So, in short my finding is this: It's business as usual in Gilmer and Braxton Counties, but it is a shale phenomenon in SWPA and SEOH. I just hope Ohio and Pennsylvania do as good of a job disguising drilling as West Virginia has done. As I mentioned in last night's report, the mountains and woods down here appear as beautiful as I have seen them. Eventually, like West Virginia, PA and OH will adopt this new culture of work. Until our workforce development initiatives in those areas began to pay off, I guess we will continue to see campers filling up the state campgrounds.
In conclusion I would like to say that the people of West Virginia are some of the kindest, most gracious folks I have ever met. My colleagues at FCI Gilmer today prepared an excellent Bean & Cornbread lunch for me and the other visitors. The nice lady at the local Rite Aid carded me for beer, which reminder me that my license expires next week...thanks again to her for thinking I might be under 21. And, despite the brilliance of my GPS, I did get lost a couple of times. To every person from whom I asked directions, thank you for not treating me like some lost city kid.
Back to Pittsburgh tomorrow. Monday morning, it's back to work on plans to open our Energy/Shale Career Center. If nothing else, this trip has convinced me that my region does not have the working legacy to quickly adapt to drilling Marcellus Shale. It's time to get to work on preparing our first generation of natural gas drillers!
I did have dinner tonight with a colleague from Parkersburg, West Virginia, which sits in the mid-Ohio Valley across the river from Marietta, OH. She says they are seeing first-hand evidence of a Marcellus Shale boom. In fact, the Marietta campground, she says, is full of campers that are occupied by shale workers from all over the country.
So, in short my finding is this: It's business as usual in Gilmer and Braxton Counties, but it is a shale phenomenon in SWPA and SEOH. I just hope Ohio and Pennsylvania do as good of a job disguising drilling as West Virginia has done. As I mentioned in last night's report, the mountains and woods down here appear as beautiful as I have seen them. Eventually, like West Virginia, PA and OH will adopt this new culture of work. Until our workforce development initiatives in those areas began to pay off, I guess we will continue to see campers filling up the state campgrounds.
In conclusion I would like to say that the people of West Virginia are some of the kindest, most gracious folks I have ever met. My colleagues at FCI Gilmer today prepared an excellent Bean & Cornbread lunch for me and the other visitors. The nice lady at the local Rite Aid carded me for beer, which reminder me that my license expires next week...thanks again to her for thinking I might be under 21. And, despite the brilliance of my GPS, I did get lost a couple of times. To every person from whom I asked directions, thank you for not treating me like some lost city kid.
Back to Pittsburgh tomorrow. Monday morning, it's back to work on plans to open our Energy/Shale Career Center. If nothing else, this trip has convinced me that my region does not have the working legacy to quickly adapt to drilling Marcellus Shale. It's time to get to work on preparing our first generation of natural gas drillers!
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Tell Me What's Really Goin' On - Part Two
After spending the day with the fine staff at FCI Gilmer (FCI is Federal Correctional Institution...for those of you not in the industry), I decided to embark on an observation mission.
First, I picked up The Exponent Telegram, which is a local newspaper out of Clarksburg. The headline from the Associated Press read, "US Coal Use On Fast Decline." Being replaced of course by natural gas. During the day, the locals had told me how natural gas drilling was slowly replacing coal mining in the area. This, unlike affordable natural gas, fueled my two hour exploration throughout Gilmer and Braxton Counties (see map.) I did not see any active drilling sites, but still the signs were everywhere.
All sorts of energy companies have set up field offices and operations throughout the region. EQT and XTO Energy are visible everywhere. Work trucks from several contracting companies are parked in many, many driveways. I did pass a compression station near the side of an old country road. Still, I have to say that if drilling be goin on in them there hills, the trees, mountains and deer of West Virginia do not seem bothered; the state is as beautiful as ever.
I also have to note this: Everywhere I spotted a new well head, I also observed a new home. Coincidence perhaps? I am not educated enough to say. In fact, I cannot say with certainty that the new well heads were even Marcellus related. As I stated earlier, this was merely an observation mission.
Tomorrow I will talk with local business owners about the impact of drilling and whether or not that has lead to increased spending. All this after I complete day two of reentry related training at FCI Gilmer...of course. More to come!
First, I picked up The Exponent Telegram, which is a local newspaper out of Clarksburg. The headline from the Associated Press read, "US Coal Use On Fast Decline." Being replaced of course by natural gas. During the day, the locals had told me how natural gas drilling was slowly replacing coal mining in the area. This, unlike affordable natural gas, fueled my two hour exploration throughout Gilmer and Braxton Counties (see map.) I did not see any active drilling sites, but still the signs were everywhere.
All sorts of energy companies have set up field offices and operations throughout the region. EQT and XTO Energy are visible everywhere. Work trucks from several contracting companies are parked in many, many driveways. I did pass a compression station near the side of an old country road. Still, I have to say that if drilling be goin on in them there hills, the trees, mountains and deer of West Virginia do not seem bothered; the state is as beautiful as ever. I also have to note this: Everywhere I spotted a new well head, I also observed a new home. Coincidence perhaps? I am not educated enough to say. In fact, I cannot say with certainty that the new well heads were even Marcellus related. As I stated earlier, this was merely an observation mission.
Tomorrow I will talk with local business owners about the impact of drilling and whether or not that has lead to increased spending. All this after I complete day two of reentry related training at FCI Gilmer...of course. More to come!
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Tell Me What's Really Goin' On?
Tonight as John, Paul, George, Ringo and I pulled off of Interstate 79 and into Small Town, West Virginia, we were greeted by new construction and a fresh grown crop of 'Help Wanted' signs. Not at all what I had anticipated. Honestly, I believed that like Christian Slater in Young Guns II, I would encounter groups of American workers mining guano to earn a living. Mostly, I expected this because I realize the economy has not been as bad in Pittsburgh as the media indicates it has been in Small Town America.
I must note that the boys from Liverpool and I passed hundreds of farms between Canonsburg, Pennsylvania and Glenville, West Virginia, but did not observe a single shale well springing up. However, we did spot many EQT trucks parked in local driveways and quite a few 'Do You Have a Gas Well Yet?' signs plastered on local billboards.
My quest to discover What's Really Goin' On continues this week. I will be spending the remainder of the week in beautiful...and I mean beautiful...Glenville, WV. I shall report my findings.
I must note that the boys from Liverpool and I passed hundreds of farms between Canonsburg, Pennsylvania and Glenville, West Virginia, but did not observe a single shale well springing up. However, we did spot many EQT trucks parked in local driveways and quite a few 'Do You Have a Gas Well Yet?' signs plastered on local billboards.
My quest to discover What's Really Goin' On continues this week. I will be spending the remainder of the week in beautiful...and I mean beautiful...Glenville, WV. I shall report my findings.
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Marcellus Shale: The Urban Disconnect
The economic benefits of Marcellus Shale drilling have been well documented. There will be thousands and thousands of new jobs. Hotels, restaurants and such in small town USA are booming. Law firms and financial institutions are creating new divisions just to serve their new energy clients and the emerging number of Shaleionaires. Everybody knows, right? Wrong.
Last week I spoke to a high school class in a Pittsburgh urban neighborhood. Out of forty students, none had heard of Range Resources, Halliburton or ConocoPhillips...all leading players in the natural gas industry. When I asked what Consol Energy does, they told me that Consol Energy owns the arena in which the Pittsburgh Penguins play. Prior to that presentation, I met a young man who asked me, "Who is Marcellus Shale?" Earlier in the month, I attended a shale-related career fair; I did not see one young African-American male in attendance.
Just yesterday, a KDKA Radio host dedicated part of his show to Careers in Marcellus Shale, highlighting free training and education programs to help workers prepare. My KQV radio show this month will focus on the same topic as we interview two industry representatives about the growing number of new jobs related to this work. All great information, but really? How many young workers from inner-city Pittsburgh will be listening to KDKA or KQV radio?
Urban America's young workers, specifically young black males, are missing out on these opportunities. Perhaps what I am pointing out here speaks to a larger social issue. Still, our local workforce development systems can make efforts to assure this trend does not continue. I belong to a group in SW Pennsylvania that has been trying for two years to open an Energy Careers Center near the City of Pittsburgh so that residents of city neighborhoods have the opportunity to learn about, train for and go to work at jobs in this industry. That project has been met with resistance and has not secured financial support. Why? Again, maybe this discussion relates to a much larger social issue. Nonetheless, the discussion needs to start someplace.
Last week I spoke to a high school class in a Pittsburgh urban neighborhood. Out of forty students, none had heard of Range Resources, Halliburton or ConocoPhillips...all leading players in the natural gas industry. When I asked what Consol Energy does, they told me that Consol Energy owns the arena in which the Pittsburgh Penguins play. Prior to that presentation, I met a young man who asked me, "Who is Marcellus Shale?" Earlier in the month, I attended a shale-related career fair; I did not see one young African-American male in attendance.
Just yesterday, a KDKA Radio host dedicated part of his show to Careers in Marcellus Shale, highlighting free training and education programs to help workers prepare. My KQV radio show this month will focus on the same topic as we interview two industry representatives about the growing number of new jobs related to this work. All great information, but really? How many young workers from inner-city Pittsburgh will be listening to KDKA or KQV radio?
Urban America's young workers, specifically young black males, are missing out on these opportunities. Perhaps what I am pointing out here speaks to a larger social issue. Still, our local workforce development systems can make efforts to assure this trend does not continue. I belong to a group in SW Pennsylvania that has been trying for two years to open an Energy Careers Center near the City of Pittsburgh so that residents of city neighborhoods have the opportunity to learn about, train for and go to work at jobs in this industry. That project has been met with resistance and has not secured financial support. Why? Again, maybe this discussion relates to a much larger social issue. Nonetheless, the discussion needs to start someplace.
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Education Requirements for Careers in Natural Gas
Last month's discussion and radio show focused mainly on education alternatives. The final segment titled, "$50k in 30 Days," lends itself nicely into this month's topic....Careers in Natural Gas.
Our discussions, articles, webinars ( see www.thealbertinstitute.com) and the June 25th Career Talk on KQV will feature career information as it relates to the exploration for natural gas in the Marcellus Shale and Utica Shale formations expanding Western Pennsylvania, Northern West Virginia and Southeast Ohio. Let us begin with observation and comment. The following chart outlines education requirements for careers in natural gas:
Our discussions, articles, webinars ( see www.thealbertinstitute.com) and the June 25th Career Talk on KQV will feature career information as it relates to the exploration for natural gas in the Marcellus Shale and Utica Shale formations expanding Western Pennsylvania, Northern West Virginia and Southeast Ohio. Let us begin with observation and comment. The following chart outlines education requirements for careers in natural gas:
As you can see, more than 50% of this chart represents careers that do not require a four year or advanced college degree. In fact, many labor or equipment operator positions do not require a high school diploma. Employers working in the Marcellus Shale region currently cannot find enough workers to fill these positions despite the fact that even entry-level jobs in these categories pay workers a livable wage. The industry has to import workers from Texas, Louisiana, etc. to fill these jobs. Why are companies having a difficult time filling these positions with local workers?
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
$50K in 30 Days!
As I mentioned in last week's article, just 14% of Pittsburgh area workers earn more than $50,000.00 per year. That data is likely to change as a result of natural gas and the demand for workers in the industry. This is also sure to influence the educational alternatives available to job seekers, high school graduates and parents of young students.
In Fall of 2011, a new client came into the McKees Rocks Employment & Training Center, our career center just outside of Pittsburgh. A young, personable African-American male, he asked me, "Who is this Marcellus Shale guy I've been hearing about?" I am not quoting him to make a joke because I do believe the question represents a great disconnect between urban America and the economic opportunities that exist...but that is for a later discussion. In any case, we spent some time exploring the natural gas industry and the economic impact that the Marcellus Shale boom is having on our region. He ultimately decided to enter a training program that would teach him more about the industry and help him to obtain his CDL.
The young man entered a trade school in the beginning of the year. He was able to obtain a grant to pay for his schooling, so there was no debt due upon graduation. After a roughly four-week accelerated course, he obtained his certificate and was able to test for his CDL. I just spoke with him yesterday. He was quickly hired on by a local fracking company. After a near decade of not working and getting into legal trouble, he is now working a legitimate job and, with overtime and his per diem, he is earning close to $5,000.00 per month.
This morning I am speaking to an 8th grade class at a middle-school in a west Pittsburgh suburb. What shall I tell them when they ask about college, work, etc.? I think, as a career counselor, I would be doing them a disservice if I did not share this story.
In Fall of 2011, a new client came into the McKees Rocks Employment & Training Center, our career center just outside of Pittsburgh. A young, personable African-American male, he asked me, "Who is this Marcellus Shale guy I've been hearing about?" I am not quoting him to make a joke because I do believe the question represents a great disconnect between urban America and the economic opportunities that exist...but that is for a later discussion. In any case, we spent some time exploring the natural gas industry and the economic impact that the Marcellus Shale boom is having on our region. He ultimately decided to enter a training program that would teach him more about the industry and help him to obtain his CDL.
The young man entered a trade school in the beginning of the year. He was able to obtain a grant to pay for his schooling, so there was no debt due upon graduation. After a roughly four-week accelerated course, he obtained his certificate and was able to test for his CDL. I just spoke with him yesterday. He was quickly hired on by a local fracking company. After a near decade of not working and getting into legal trouble, he is now working a legitimate job and, with overtime and his per diem, he is earning close to $5,000.00 per month.
This morning I am speaking to an 8th grade class at a middle-school in a west Pittsburgh suburb. What shall I tell them when they ask about college, work, etc.? I think, as a career counselor, I would be doing them a disservice if I did not share this story.
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Does Education Pay in the Long-Term?
This month's topics have highlighted some of the struggles experienced by recent college graduates, but let's be fair. The reality is that college graduates, according to Department of Labor, still experience higher lifetime earnings than those workers who do not graduates college. A few examples as they relate to my hometown of Pittsburgh, PA...
The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that, "only 14% of workers in the Pittsburgh region earn more than $50,000.00 per year." Typical job titles for the region that earn more than $50,000.00 include but are not limited to Computer Sytsem Analysts, CEO's, Lawyers, Registered Nurses and Physicians/Surgeons. It goes without saying that these occupations all require further education.
The BLS also indicates, "50% of Pittsburgh area workers earn less than $25,000.00 per year." Occupations that fall in this pay range include Security Guard, EMT's, Secretary, Pharmacy Aide and Fast Food Cook.
This raises yet another interesting question. Should the value of education be measured over time or should it be based upon current situations? The reality is that most college graduates are young and thus still considered 'entry-level' workers. Therefore, many are paying their dues and earning an entry-level salary. At the end of the day, graduates from Duquesne, Penn State, Ohio State, etc. will probably out-earn their workforce counterparts who have not earned a four year or advanced degree.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that, "only 14% of workers in the Pittsburgh region earn more than $50,000.00 per year." Typical job titles for the region that earn more than $50,000.00 include but are not limited to Computer Sytsem Analysts, CEO's, Lawyers, Registered Nurses and Physicians/Surgeons. It goes without saying that these occupations all require further education.
The BLS also indicates, "50% of Pittsburgh area workers earn less than $25,000.00 per year." Occupations that fall in this pay range include Security Guard, EMT's, Secretary, Pharmacy Aide and Fast Food Cook.
This raises yet another interesting question. Should the value of education be measured over time or should it be based upon current situations? The reality is that most college graduates are young and thus still considered 'entry-level' workers. Therefore, many are paying their dues and earning an entry-level salary. At the end of the day, graduates from Duquesne, Penn State, Ohio State, etc. will probably out-earn their workforce counterparts who have not earned a four year or advanced degree.
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Is College Worth the Cost?
According to the American Council on Education...
"Half of students who start college drop out....Half of college graduates are underemployed."
This data suggest that if 100 students start college in the fall, only 25 of that 100 will be working in their intended field. Duquesne University, my Alma Mater, just graduated a university record number of more than 1600 students. If the American Council on Education's data holds true, only 400 of these students will be working in their field. I graduated Duquesne in 2001 as a licensed high school English teacher. That career lasted less than two years because of the small number of jobs versus the vast number of job candidates.
Do not get me wrong. I would never trade in my Duquesne experience or education. The data, however, does raise an interesting question. Is college worth the cost? The Council also indicates that the average individual student debt is now slightly more than $20,000.00. We all know that student debt can reach much higher levels depending on the degree, school, etc. A colleague of mine is a recent criminal justice graduate from a well-respected university. After two years of job search in his field, he just recently accepted a position at a local bank earning just above $26,000.00 per year. That is about $12 per hour before taxes, rent, gas, etc., etc. How many dollars from that twelve will be going towards a student loan?
Thoughts? Comments?
"Half of students who start college drop out....Half of college graduates are underemployed."
This data suggest that if 100 students start college in the fall, only 25 of that 100 will be working in their intended field. Duquesne University, my Alma Mater, just graduated a university record number of more than 1600 students. If the American Council on Education's data holds true, only 400 of these students will be working in their field. I graduated Duquesne in 2001 as a licensed high school English teacher. That career lasted less than two years because of the small number of jobs versus the vast number of job candidates.
Do not get me wrong. I would never trade in my Duquesne experience or education. The data, however, does raise an interesting question. Is college worth the cost? The Council also indicates that the average individual student debt is now slightly more than $20,000.00. We all know that student debt can reach much higher levels depending on the degree, school, etc. A colleague of mine is a recent criminal justice graduate from a well-respected university. After two years of job search in his field, he just recently accepted a position at a local bank earning just above $26,000.00 per year. That is about $12 per hour before taxes, rent, gas, etc., etc. How many dollars from that twelve will be going towards a student loan?
Thoughts? Comments?
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Education Requirements According to DOL
According to Bureau of Labor Statistics...
"Although unskilled work is disappearing, low skilled work is not. More than 45% of all jobs are those that require at least a high school diploma and up to three months of training that can be learned on the job. Many low wage/low skill service jobs are in this group.
28% of all jobs are in the fastest growing job sector that requires two years or less of education after high school. The occupations in this sector often pay middle and upper income earnings and require specialized education such as an associate degree, a national skill certification, or a structured apprenticeship program.
Only 26% of all jobs require a 4 year college degree or higher. This is about the same percentage of college graduates that was demanded in 1950—but unlike today, college graduates were in short supply at that time."
How do these labor market requirements compare with the career choices of our young workers? How does this impact the choices made by workers in transition?
"Although unskilled work is disappearing, low skilled work is not. More than 45% of all jobs are those that require at least a high school diploma and up to three months of training that can be learned on the job. Many low wage/low skill service jobs are in this group.
28% of all jobs are in the fastest growing job sector that requires two years or less of education after high school. The occupations in this sector often pay middle and upper income earnings and require specialized education such as an associate degree, a national skill certification, or a structured apprenticeship program.
Only 26% of all jobs require a 4 year college degree or higher. This is about the same percentage of college graduates that was demanded in 1950—but unlike today, college graduates were in short supply at that time."
How do these labor market requirements compare with the career choices of our young workers? How does this impact the choices made by workers in transition?
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Two Year v. Four Year Degree
The job market has changed, but has the job seeker? Approximately 60% percent of young job seekers plan to go to college, but only 25% of America’s job market requires a four year degree. Four-year graduates have higher lifetime earnings than those without a degree. We will debate the issue during the May 28th Career Talk on KQV Radio 1410 AM when I will be joined by guests from Penn State University and ITT Technical Institute. The Pro's & Con's will also be explored during an 11:00 AM EST, May 25th webinar. Details can be found in the webinar section at www.thealbertinstitute.com.
What are your thoughts related to the issue?
What are your thoughts related to the issue?
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Neighborhood Employment Centers: Benefits to Business
Neighborhood Employment Centers obviously offer invaluable career services to job seekers. But, what about benefits to local businesses? Benefits to businesses can include a number of things such as pre-screening of qualified applicants, exposure to incumbent worker training programs, tax credits for participation and support, and positive PR via partnerships within the community. Scott Baker, owner of 5 Generation Bakers in Pittsburgh, PA, will discuss all of these during the April 23rd broadcast of Career Talk on KQV AM 1410. You can also tune in online at www.kqv.com. We would like to know your opinion as well? What are the real benefits to local businesses?
Monday, April 9, 2012
Neighborhood Employment Centers: Unique Services
Neighborhood Employment Centers provide a vast array of resources for job seekers. Agencies offer everything from practical resume writing and job placement services to unique programs such as criminal record review and English as a Second Language classes. In Baltimore, I met a team that had a mobile career center...a huge RV very similar to a book mobile. This took services to individuals who could not drive or bus to the career center. What is the most unique service your center offers? What unique ideas or approaches have you read about or observed?
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Neighborhood Employment Centers v. State Employment Agencies
This month's Career Talk on KQV Radio (www.kqv.com) will feature discussion related to Neighborhood Employment Centers. Great resources in local communities where job seekers can get individualized service, but sometimes neighborhood employment centers do not have the same resources that State Employment Agencies have available. Pros and Cons? What is your opinion? What has been your experience?
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Welcome to Career Talk
Welcome to Career Talk on the Web! This is an open forum for Workforce Development Professionals, Adult Educators, Career Counselors and the like. My name is Scott Albert. I am the host of Career Talk with Scott Albert on KQV Radio 1410 in Pittsburgh, PA. I would like to welcome you to use this blog as a media outlet, discussion board and debate forum for all topics related to careers, workforce development, etc., etc. Let the information sharing begin.
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