The Tri-County Workforce Investment Board recently presented Sherry Atkison with a STEP Award for her accomplishments within the Dislocated Worker program.

Atkison came to the PA CareerLink Butler County in February 2017 after the company she worked for went through a massive layoff. Atkison was eligible for training through the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) program as well as additional training, job search assistance and other services through the dislocated worker program.

Most of her career was in the manufacturing industry. Having experienced multiple layoffs, Atkison was ready to pursue a new career in her personal interest.

In her last position, Atkison was tasked with creating and designing digital signage for monitors and jumbotrons welcoming guests and displaying company information throughout the facility where she worked. Through the training program, Atkison pursued her associate degree in graphic design at Butler County Community College, graduating in May.

During her transitional job in the PA CareerLink, Atkison used her new skills to update promotional brochures and electronic signage for PA CareerLink, and assisted in the creation of a PowerPoint training segment for a reentry workshop.

Atkison was later hired as the adult literacy secretary at Butler County Community College, starting there in June.

Career TRACK is the service provider for the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, Dislocated Worker and Youth Services of the Tri-County Workforce Development Board for Butler, Armstrong and Indiana counties. The program offers assessment, career planning, training, and resume and job search assistance. PA CareerLink Butler County offers weekly workshops on the following topics: resume writing, interviewing, civil service and job search basics. They also offer basic skill testing in reading and math.