Tuition Assistance for Unemployed and Underemployed Residents to Prepare for Post-COVID Workplace

Released: March 9, 2021

COVID-19 has left almost 14,000 Delaware County residents unemployed. The Delaware County Workforce Development System offers free tuition assistance for training in high-demand occupations to prepare unemployed and underemployed residents for the post-COVID workplace.

The Workforce Development System works with business and education leaders to identify the skills and training that workers will need to succeed. The Workforce Development System then provides tuition for unemployed or underemployed residents to get training in these critical skills. Only colleges and training schools with a strong record of helping people get jobs in their new field are selected for the program.

As the Federal Government provides stimulus programs to extend the length of unemployment benefits, this is an ideal time for unemployed residents to take advantage of an opportunity to get the skills they need for post-COVID employment. Tuition assistance is available for many in-demand fields such as healthcare, manufacturing, computer programming, and contact tracing. Excellent colleges and training programs that participate in this program include Delaware County Community College, Villanova Professional Program, All State Training School, Springhouse Education, and Full Circle Computing.

Maryanne Pilson took advantage of tuition assistance to change careers and answered some questions to share her experience with residents.

Q: What was your line of work before coming to the CareerLink and why did you want to make a change?
Maryanne: Most of my life I worked as an IT project manager and support analyst within the pharmaceutical industry. As the industry continues to change and hire abroad by being service driven I saw less opportunities to be technical and wanted to work independently.

Q: How did CareerLink staff help you find a new direction?
Maryanne: Mike and the staff at CareerLink helped me navigate the opportunity of receiving a state grant for training in a new field where there is growth and plenty of opportunities. They also ran an assessment to ensure my aptitude aligned with the job requirements. But most importantly they provided a plan and hope for a new future.

Q: What training did you do?
Maryanne: Commercial Driver’s License/CDL class A course.

Q: How long did it take?
Maryanne: 5 to 6 weeks

Q: Did the CareerLink cover all your training costs?
Maryanne: Yes

Q: How long did it take you to find your new job?
Maryanne: 2 Months

Q: What do you like most about your new job?
Maryanne: Traveling, meeting and working with people all over the country. The feel of freedom on the open road.

Unemployed or underemployed Delaware County residents are encouraged to learn more about training that can help them prepare for the post-COVID workplace. The first step is to attend an orientation to learn about all the programs available. Call 610-723-1220, email wec@dccc.edu, or visit https://pacareerlinkdelco.org/.