At ECHOS in Elizabethtown, Susan Lance is putting people on the path to success. Lance is a career navigator with PA CareerLink, and she started offering services at the organization, 105 E. Washington St., earlier this month.

"PA CareerLink is a one-stop shop for access to a variety of career and workforce development services," Lance explained. "It's a place people can go to get information on many different agencies."

Lance noted that the ECHOS location is one of several "hubs" of PA CareerLink located throughout the county. She's available to meet with clients from 9 a.m. to noon on the first Monday of the month as well as every other Friday. Appointments can be made to meet with her, but they are not necessary.

When Lance meets with a client, she takes the time to assess his or her personal situation. "Everything is individualized," she stated. "I'll see where they are, what they're looking for help with, and then I'll direct them to helpful resources."

She'll start with helping a client register on the PA CareerLink website, http://www.pacareerlink.pa.gov, and will highlight programs and services that might benefit the client. Her advice could include anything from making suggestions on resumes to setting up mock interviews or directing people to job search sites. "I can help people find a job, find a better job, change careers or increase their skills," Lance commented.

CareerLink also provides access to SkillUp PA, online job skills training, said Jeanette Coleman, Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act program manager. These courses cover a variety of industries, including accounting, early childhood education and health care, and participants can earn credentials in specific industries. "People who take these trainings earn a certificate of completion, and then they can add the training to their resume," Coleman explained, noting that all CareerLink services are offered free of charge.

CareerLink also features several programs directed at specific audiences, Coleman remarked. The Young Adult Program serves Lancaster County residents ages 16 to 24, providing paid internships, career-readiness workshops, mentoring and up to $10,000 for training in specific careers. A workshop for job seekers age 55 and older is also offered, along with specific programs geared toward helping people with criminal backgrounds re-enter the workforce. CareerLink courses are offered both virtually and in person, and a full schedule of courses can be accessed by creating a free CareerLink account.

Along with providing career support, Lance helps clients with other needs, including referring them to local agencies and programs such as the food bank, housing or health care services. "We are here for everyone," Lance stated. "We want to see if there is any way we can help anyone who needs it. Come in and see what I can do for you."