Looking for a job, need training, or exploring a new career? The Westchester-Putnam Career Center Network (WPCCN)’s recently redesigned website makes it easy to access free career services designed to help people of all ages and experience levels succeed. Whether you’re just beginning your job search or looking to upgrade your skills, the website offers valuable resources to help you take the next step. Here are 19 ways to get started.
1. Review the Overview of Services
Start by exploring the website’s overview of services to learn about the free programs and career services available to job seekers. You can also download a pdf to print and keep for reference.
2. Create a Job Seeker Account
Register for a free job seeker account to get plugged in to personalized services, in-person and virtual workshops, orientations, a newsletter subscription with event and job fair information, labor market trends, and training.
3. Attend a Job Seeker Orientation
Attending an orientation is one of the best first steps. You’ll get a comprehensive overview of all services, eligibility requirements, workforce programs, and how to make the most of the resources available to you. Click here for an orientation schedule. You can also watch an orientation video online.
4. Sign Up for the Newsletter
Stay informed by subscribing to the Career Center newsletter. You’ll receive updates on hiring events, workshops, training opportunities, employer recruitments, and other valuable career resources delivered directly to your inbox.
5. Attend In-Person and Virtual Workshops
Build the skills employers are looking for by participating in free workshops covering resume writing, interviewing, networking, LinkedIn, job search strategies, computer skills, and other career development topics.
6. Explore the Indeed Job Search Academy
The WPCCN has partnered with Indeed to expand access to high-quality job search resources through the Job Search Academy, a free virtual workshop series designed to support job seekers at every stage of their career journey. By combining WPCCN’s workforce expertise with Indeed’s industry-leading platform, the partnership ensures that job seekers have access to practical and results-driven guidance.
7. Check the Calendar of Events
Visit the online calendar regularly to stay informed about upcoming job fairs, recruitment events, and meetings taking place throughout Westchester and Putnam Counties.
8. Sign Up for the New York State Virtual Career Center
Create an account with the New York State Virtual Career Center. This AI-powered platform helps match your skills and experience with job opportunities and employers across New York State.
9. Plan a Visit to One of Our Career Center Locations
There are four career center locations serving Westchester and Putnam Counties. Each one has a resource room to use computers, internet access, printers, telephones, and other tools to support your job search. See which one is closest to you.
10. Explore Job Seeker Resource Articles
Take advantage of the website’s collection of job seeker resource articles and webinars addressing such topics as “Using Certifications to Advance your Career” or “Why You Need to be on LinkedIn.”
11. Check Out Youth Workforce Preparation Programs
The Workforce Development Academy for Youth (WDAY) is a year-round program designed to support young people ages 16-24 in achieving their education and career goals. Through local providers across Westchester and Putnam Counties, WDAY connects out-of-school youth with the tools they need to succeed — whether that means earning a diploma, continuing education, or entering the workforce.
12. Consider Year-Round and Summer Youth Work Programs
The Youth Employment Programs provide paid work opportunities for young people ages 14-21 who meet eligibility requirements. Opportunities include short-term summer jobs to gain experience and earn money as well as year-round employment opportunities for continued skill-building.
13. Participate in the VITA Free Tax Prep and Volunteer Program
The VITA Free Tax Prep program, implemented in 2004, helps low- and moderate-income working individuals and families get the tax refunds and EITC credits they’re entitled to. Taxpayers can visit one of 11 sites throughout Westchester and the Northern Bronx. The program also recruits and trains volunteer tax preparers who receive extensive training on how to prepare taxes. Get information on registering for an appointment and on how to become a volunteer.
14. Get Free Financial Counseling at the Mount Vernon Financial Empowerment Center (MVFEC)
The center offers professional financial education through one-on-one financial counseling as well as workshops on various financial topics free of charge to residents of Westchester County regardless of income. Professionally trained and certified counselors help residents manage their finances, create budgets, pay down debt, increase savings, establish and build credit, and access safe and affordable mainstream banking products.
15. Take Advantage of Priority Career Services for Veterans and their Spouses
Veterans and eligible spouses are entitled to priority access for employment, training, and placement services — meaning they are served earlier than non-covered individuals, or first when resources are limited.
16. Receive Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities (ACCES-VR)
Assistance is available for individuals with disabilities striving to achieve and maintain employment. ACCES-VR is the acronym for Adult Career and Continuing Education Services – Vocational Rehabilitation. A referral is required to be made by your employment counselor.
17. Learn About the NYS Paid Apprenticeship Program
NYSDOL’s registered apprenticeship programs involve learning a skilled occupation through paid on-the-job training under the guidance of experienced workers, often including related classroom work. The length of training varies depending on the apprenticeship.
18. Join the Newsroom
Stay up to date with the latest news, program updates, and workforce trends from the Career Center Network.
19. Apply for Free Training in High-Demand Sectors
An Individual Training Account (ITA) is a voucher that helps eligible job seekers pay for short-term education and skills training. With an ITA, you can attend any certificate program on our approved provider list to gain the skills you need for full-time employment at a sustainable living wage.
Next Steps
Whether you’re looking for your first job, changing careers, or returning to the workforce, the WPCCN website can help you get started. Visit www.westchesterputnamonestop.com today and discover how the Career Center Network can help you build the skills, confidence, and connections needed for your next career opportunity.
Sherry Bruck is a career center operator in the Westchester-Putnam Career Center Network as well as the owner of marketing firm Harquin.
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