Business Services Coordinator Helps Local Firms Find Top Talent

As the Business Services Coordinator for PA CareerLink Blair County, Carter Cerully plays a crucial role in connecting businesses with qualified candidates and helping job seekers find meaningful employment.

His day-to-day responsibilities involve working directly with employers in the region, providing support through various workforce programs, hiring events, and internships.

Cerully also acts as a liaison between businesses and job seekers, ensuring that both sides are equipped to meet their workforce needs.

"My role involves engaging with employers in Blair County to support them through internships, tax credits, work programs, hiring events, and by serving as a primary contact for any questions related to state or federal work programs," he said. "I also advocate on behalf of job seekers, connecting them with businesses and specific programs they may qualify for."

One of the key services Cerully and his team provide is helping businesses navigate their hiring challenges.

"We start by meeting with businesses to understand their challenges and needs," he said. "From there, we recommend which of our services can support them, whether it's posting jobs, participating in hiring events, or enrolling in programs like internships and on-the-job training."

Through these efforts, PA CareerLink has been instrumental in addressing workforce shortages in Blair County.

With the region expected to lose up to 30% of its population in the next few decades, employers are being forced to adapt.

"The biggest challenge businesses are facing is the shrinking population," Cerully said. "With fewer people available, businesses need to be more efficient by automating processes and adopting new hiring strategies."

Cerully's work goes beyond just connecting businesses with employees; he also collaborates closely with local organizations, educational institutions, and government agencies to create a comprehensive support system for both employers and job seekers.

"Partnerships are essential to our success," he said. "We work with organizations like the Greater Opportunity Centre and the Center for Community Action to host job fairs and other workforce initiatives. It's a collective approach to solving regional workforce challenges."

In response to the challenges brought by the declining population, Cerully is seeing employers across the region adapt their hiring strategies.

"Employers are broadening their hiring criteria, lowering education and experience requirements, offering flexible work arrangements, and increasing professional development opportunities," he said. "At PA CareerLink, we help them navigate these changes and connect them with the right talent."

One of the most rewarding aspects of Cerully's role is helping people find jobs that positively impact their lives.

"The most fulfilling part of my work is playing a small role in changing someone's life-helping them secure employment, support their family, and meet personal goals," he said.

Cerully also emphasized that many businesses are unaware of the resources available to them.

"My advice to local businesses is to reach out to us," he said.

There are many federal and state programs such as tax credits, incentives, and grants that businesses can leverage to improve their hiring efforts, Cerully said and these resources are offered at no cost.

Since joining PA CareerLink in 2022, Cerully's role has expanded to include more outreach and marketing efforts, in addition to his client-centered work.

"I didn't initially plan to pursue a career in workforce development, but once I started at PA CareerLink, I became passionate about it," he said. "Now, I attend more events, engage with more businesses, and take on additional outreach responsibilities. Our entire team has shifted toward becoming business-focused, with everyone involved in outreach to some degree."

Looking to the future, Cerully sees collaboration, outreach, and creative problem-solving as key elements for workforce development in Blair County. He believes workforce development will continue to rely on partnerships and innovative strategies to adapt to the challenges posed by the region's shrinking population.

Helping businesses grow and succeed is deeply rewarding for Cerully, and it's about much more than just filling vacancies.

"Helping businesses grow impacts the entire workforce. It boosts employee morale, increases salaries, and even creates new jobs," he said. "Seeing someone start a new role, thrive in it, and grow within the company to become a leader makes all the hard work worthwhile. Every successful placement is a step toward building a stronger community."