N'Gnyoh displays her certificate of completion at the conclusion of her UPMC Pathways to Work course.
N'Gnyoh recently landed a position at UPMC through our Pathways to Work collaboration.
This program, launched last year, builds on a partnership started in 2019. Pathways to Work provides a preliminary recruiter to help unemployed or underemployed adults facing barriers in their job hunt. The recruiter provides support and advice on resumes, interview tips, skill assessment, free training opportunities, and guidance on UPMC jobs and UPMC Health Plan applications.
Earlier this year, N'Gnyoh heard her husband’s friends talking about how much help they received from Literacy Pittsburgh, and decided it was time to continue her education. Her goal was to improve her English skills and join the workforce. She is currently enrolled in our English language learning program and plans to take digital literacy courses soon.
When N'Gnyoh learned about the UPMC Pathways to Work program, she jumped at the opportunity. She emphasized that the skill assessment and application assistance were particularly helpful for her. She discussed the three steps: skills analysis, building and editing her resume and application, and prepping for the interview. She talked about the interview process, and her worries, saying “I tried to stay calm and take all the advice from my workshops."
UPMC Pathways to Work encourages and guides program participants to apply for UPMC jobs. These positions range widely to provide applicants with opportunities that fit their interests and skill sets. Areas include human resources, customer service, data analysis, information and technology, nursing, and clinical support. N'Gnyoh's new position is within the Environmental Services department for housekeeping and maintenance at UPMC.
Her job preparation began with Literacy Pittsburgh's Career Services classes and coaching, where she learned helpful vocabulary, strategies, and methods for connecting and communicating professionally with her coworkers and managers. N'Gnyoh reflected on her time, saying, “I worked hard to get this job.” She also expressed that it is her goal to be promoted and will continue taking classes at Literacy Pittsburgh to make that a reality. She is very eager to start her new job and is very thankful for all the support she received along the way!
Literacy Pittsburgh (formerly Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council) helps create better lives through learning. Recognized as a national leader in adult and family literacy, Literacy Pittsburgh is the largest provider of adult basic education in Allegheny and Beaver Counties. Last year, Literacy Pittsburgh helped more than 4,000 individuals acquire the skills needed to reach their fullest potential in life and participate productively in their communities. Literacy Pittsburgh provides free, personalized instruction in workforce readiness, high school diploma test preparation, digital literacy, English language learning, math, reading, and family literacy through one-to-one and small class instruction. Founded in 1982, it serves local adults through numerous neighborhood locations and its Downtown Pittsburgh Learning Center.
