Harrisburg, PA — As workforce shortages continue to challenge industries across Pennsylvania, Auberle is expanding its reach in South Central Pennsylvania and inviting members of the Harrisburg business community to partner in building a stronger, more resilient workforce.

A Call to Harrisburg’s Business Community

Through collaborations with employers, chambers of commerce, and workforce development partners, Auberle aligns training programs with real-time labor market needs, creating scalable solutions that benefit both businesses and job seekers. For Harrisburg Chamber of Commerce members, this presents a unique opportunity to access a pipeline of prepared, motivated talent while investing in the long-term economic health of the region.

Auberle’s Employment Institute

Auberle, an award-winning human service agency, delivers these outcomes through its Employment Institute, which provides comprehensive workforce development services designed to remove barriers and connect individuals to sustainable careers. Programs include paid work experiences, industry-recognized credentialing, career coaching, and wraparound supports such as transportation assistance, case management, and job placement services, all tailored to meet the needs of local employers and underserved populations. 

From Barriers to Opportunity: Savier’s Journey

The success of Harrisburg participant Savier Gonzalez illustrates the effectiveness of this model and the power of strong employer partnerships. Alongside his brother Romeo, Savier entered Auberle’s Employment Institute after facing significant challenges, including housing instability, limited work experience, and transportation barriers. With individualized support from Auberle staff, both brothers completed a paid work experience at UPMC Harrisburg, rotating through departments and gaining hands-on exposure to healthcare careers.

Hands-On Experience That Leads to Careers

Following the program, Savier secured full-time employment in Food and Nutrition Services at UPMC, where he earned his ServSafe certification, received recognition as Auberle’s Work Experience Participant of the Year, and was featured in UPMC’s Employee Spotlight. Today, he has been promoted to a full-time role with increased wages and is helping train new employees.

“Through hands-on training, personalized support, and strong employer partnerships like UPMC, we’re able to help individuals overcome complex barriers and step into roles where they can grow, contribute, and thrive,” said Abby Wolenseky, Director of Auberle’s Employment Institute. “At the same time, we’re helping employers meet critical workforce needs.”

April 29, 2026, North Huntingdon, PA — Savier Gonzalez receives the Work Experience Participant of the Year Award from the Deputy Director of Auberle's Employment Institute, Jake Markosky. Savier was recognized on stage in front of 300 community leaders, staff, and program participants.

Employer Partnerships That Drive Results

Auberle’s employer partnerships are the cornerstone of this success. Through structured paid work experiences, mentorship, and on-the-job training, participants gain the skills and confidence needed to transition into permanent roles, while employers benefit from a reliable pipeline of prepared talent.

Beyond employment outcomes, the impact is holistic. Today, Savier has achieved stable housing, purchased a vehicle, and is building a future with his family, demonstrating how workforce investment can drive long-term economic stability and community wellbeing.

For the Harrisburg Chamber of Commerce and its members, Auberle offers a proven, partnership-driven model for strengthening the regional workforce while creating pathways to opportunity for individuals who are ready to work but need support to succeed.

To learn more about partnership opportunities or Auberle’s Employment Institute, visit www.auberle.org/workforce-development

About Auberle

At Auberle, we change lives – for generations. We are a nationally recognized, Catholic, faith-based human service agency serving thousands of individuals and families annually across Pennsylvania. With a staff of 250, Auberle delivers award-winning, holistic, and innovative programs in workforce development, housing, young adult services, behavioral health, and foster care. The agency partners with hundreds of employers and organizations to build strong individuals, families, and communities, achieving exceptional outcomes such as high employment retention, permanent housing stability, and leading rates of foster care permanency.

Learn more at www.auberle.org.