The Private Industry Council (PIC) was pleased to serve as a valued partner to the Western PA Operating Engineers, beginning with preparation coursework on January 10th & 17th, 2026 and concluding with testing held from January 21st - 27th. Operating engineers are...
The Private Industry Council (PIC) Afterschool Program, funded through the Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) initiative, and administered by the state of PA made a meaningful impact on students and families in Fayette and Westmoreland...
The holiday season is a time of joy. However, it also comes with busy schedules, gift shopping, and year-end deadlines. Taking care of yourself is essential not just for your well-being, but so you can truly enjoy the holiday season. Here are some cheerful self-care...
Families enrolled in Head Start and Early Head Start of Fayette County were invited to “Alphabet Safari” held at the Lemont Furnace Head Start Center on November 19, 2025. The theme of the event was to focus on language and literacy skills from the program’s school...
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Head Start / Early Head Start FAQs The Private Industry Council discusses frequently asked questions for Head Start and Early Head Start students. Private Industry Council operates the Head Start / Early Head Start program for Beaver and Fayette Counties in the...
In April 2025, the Private Industry Council of Westmoreland/Fayette, Inc. was awarded the Veteran Employment Program Grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry. The grant, which runs from April 1, 2025, to November 30, 2026, has already seen substantial progress in its first six months. Veteran Services Coordinator Kim Katona has successfully met the recruitment goals.
To date, 20 Veterans and Veteran spouses have enrolled in the program, with the aim of securing full-time employment through PIC’s services. During their participation, these individuals have collectively attended 82 peer mentoring sessions, where they are paired with PIC staff members, all of whom are also Veterans. These sessions provide a space to discuss and address any barriers preventing or sustaining employment.
In addition to the Peer to Peer Mentoring sessions, the participants are required to attend group sessions with Regis Lazor, Behavioral Consultant. To date there have been 6 sessions attended.
Of the 20 participants, 14 have already secured employment. They will be monitored for six months to track their job retention, with the opportunity to earn one of three stipends for successfully maintaining employment during this period.
Participant feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing gratitude for the supportive services offered through the grant. These resources have helped Veterans and their spouses catch up on essential expenses such as car payments, rent, and utilities, while also providing assistance with tools and uniforms needed to start new employment opportunities.
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