Presented by: Edward Primas, Site Administrator for PA CareerLink Dauphin County & Roberto Ortiz, Workforce Development Representative, Department of Labor & Industry
Date: Tuesday, May 13, 2026
Time: 10:00 A.M. – 11:30 A.M.
Location: International Service Center (ISC)
Event Host & Organizer: Zahra Sultani, Employment Specialist, International Service Center (ISC) 

For many refugee and immigrant families arriving in the United States, finding stable employment is one of the most urgent yet challenging steps toward rebuilding their lives. Although many newcomers arrive with valuable professional backgrounds, technical skills, and strong work ethics, navigating an unfamiliar workforce system often creates barriers that can feel overwhelming. Access to vocational guidance, workforce education, and trusted community partnerships therefore becomes essential in helping individuals transition toward economic stability and long-term self-sufficiency. 

This reality framed the Community Outreach & Career Orientation event hosted by the (ISC) and coordinated by Zahra Sultani, Employment Specialist at ISC. The event welcomed 18 participants from refugee and immigrant backgrounds, including 12 Afghan clients, 4 South African clients, 1 Ukrainian client, and 1 Sudanese client. 

The honored guest speakers included Mr. Edward Primas, Site Administrator for PA CareerLink  Dauphin County, and Mr. Roberto Ortiz, Workforce Development Representative from the Department of Labor & Industry. Together, they provided participants with a comprehensive overview of workforce development resources, apprenticeship opportunities, state employment pathways, and career advancement programs available throughout Pennsylvania. 

During the presentation, Mr. Primas guided attendees through the overall structure and services offered by PA CareerLink. Participants received step-by-step instruction on how to create Careerlink accounts, search for available jobs, access local job fairs, and navigate career exploration tools. Mr. Primas also introduced participants to multiple certification and workforce training opportunities, including CDL programs, HVAC training, CNA pathways, IT professional certifications, apprenticeship programs, and additional workforce development resources designed to support long-term career growth. 

The presentation further highlighted support available for OVR (Office of Vocational Rehabilitation) -eligible clients, explaining how individuals facing employment barriers may qualify for specialized career guidance, training support, and employment services. Mr. Primas shared that eligible clients can receive assistance through enrollment and referral processes to better access these supportive programs. 

Mr. Ortiz also provided valuable information regarding workforce development services and unemployment compensation guidance. In addition, Mr. Ortiz generously offered ongoing support for eligible clients interested in pursuing state employment opportunities. He expressed his willingness to guide qualified individuals through the referral and application process for state positions, creating a promising opportunity for future collaboration and client referrals through ISC. 

The interactive question and answer segment allowed participants to directly engage with presenters and gain a deeper understanding of employment pathways, apprenticeship enrollment procedures, career certifications, and state workforce opportunities. Interpreters available among the audience also provided language assistance to participants with limited English proficiency, ensuring accessibility and active participation throughout the session. 

The event resulted in three clients expressing immediate interest in apprenticeship and workforce development opportunities following the presentation. These clients are scheduled to meet with Mr. Primas during the upcoming week to begin the enrollment and registration process for the apprenticeship programs. Additionally, one client was identified as potentially eligible for OVR services and is scheduled to receive further assistance through follow-up coordination with PA CareerLink. These outcomes reflect a meaningful success in workforce engagement, career pathway development, and partnership-building efforts between ISC and community workforce agencies.