CareerLink

CareerLink

Retraining for Unemployed Individuals Due to Plant Closings/Layoffs

People in Reading and Berks County affected by plant closings and layoffs can enroll in credit or non-credit programs of study on a tuition-free basis.

  1. At the time of being laid off, students must be either: (a) residents of Berks County, or (b) affected by a Berks County business or industry plant closing or layoff.
     
  2. Students may enroll for a maximum of one semester on a tuition-free basis and must complete the FAFSA. The value of the funding is reduced by the amount of the grants packaged for the semester. Students enrolling in a non-credit course or program can receive a maximum tuition waiver equivalent to the cost of fifteen (15) credit hours of instruction (tuition only) in one (1) credit semester of instruction. College staff will assist students in an attempt to secure the necessary financial aid to continue their education.
     
  3. Additional costs such as fees, textbooks and supplies must be paid by the student.
     
  4. Students must have been laid off, permanently or indefinitely, from a permanent, full-time position within 12 months prior to the time they make application for the program.
     
  5. The maximum expenditure to the college in a fiscal year will be limited to $100,000.

Note: Students must provide a letter from their former employer on company letterhead providing the actual layoff date.  This letter must also state that the former employee lost their job through no fault of their own but due to economic conditions.  To receive the proper waiver for this policy, please make an appointment with the CareerLink Specialist at Reading Area Community College at either the Berks County CareerLink office at 610-988-1304, or the RACC Admissions office at 610-372-4721.

CareerLink Six Step Job Search Program

If you are unemployed, or under employed, the CareerLink office can provide you with job search assistance.

Contact the CareerLink Office at 610-988-1300.

You can also visit the Pennsylvania CareerLink website for additional job-related assistance.

You may possibly qualify for training funding provided through the CareerLink office. RACC is one of numerous approved training providers in Berks County. Not all RACC programs are approved or qualify for this funding.