Job fair targets workers as businesses boost wages to attract help

It’s the same mantra from many local employers looking for workers in the Alle-Kiski Valley: Where are they?

However, some businesses, such as Filterbuy in New Kensington, have upped wages to attract new employees and make it easier for them to try different jobs and earn promotions.

Filterbuy will be among local employers looking for workers Thursday at the PA CareerLink Alle-Kiski Job Fair.

The company plans to hire 50 additional employees this year in a competitive labor market.

“Local employers continue to show their willingness to meet job seekers in the middle in terms of increasing wages and adding flexibility into schedules and roles in the workplace where feasible,” said Phil Grove, account representative for PA CareerLink Alle-Kiski, which covers 28 ZIP codes in Allegheny and Westmoreland counties.

“Signing bonuses and/or pay raises when employment milestones are reached also are offered to help in recruitment,” he said.

The region’s unemployment rate stood at 4% in December, which is the lowest recorded for the region in more than 45 years, according to the state Department of Labor & Industry.

The persistently low employment rate reflects the region’s aging and shrinking pool of workers, Gus Faucher, an economist with PNC Financial Services, said last month.

In just the past month, job listings have been increasing, with more than 260 job openings in CareerLink Alle-Kiski companies in Allegheny and Westmoreland counties, Grove said. More employers have been reaching out to the Alle-Kiski office for free services to find more employees, he added.

Filterbuy getting ready to add more employees

Filterbuy, a family-owned producer of commercial and residential air filters, opened its light-manufacturing plant in the New Kensington Advanced Manufacturing Park in 2021. Business has been booming for the filter manufacturer headquartered in Alabama with other facilities in Florida and Utah.

“Business is good. Everybody needs air filters,” said Glenna George, Filterbuy’s human resources payroll manager in New Kensington.

The company employs about 145 people in New Kensington, and its sales growth has increased 160% in the past year, she said.

Given the competitive labor market, Filterbuy has increased wages — starting from about $12.50 an hour in 2021, to $13.50, with most positions at $14 or more per hour. The company also makes it easy for new hires to try different jobs and secure raises and promotions swiftly.

Filterbuyneeds 25 more workers now and plans to recruit 50 more later this year.

“We’re working hard with not only CareerLink to find new employees but, in the last five months, we’ve created training systems to allow more promoting from within,” she said.

Filterbuy’s training programs help new and returning employees to “find the right fit so they can continue with us.”

While recruiting workers, George said, the training program can be attractive to new hires. “Word of mouth is big, and we want to give a positive impression for a good work atmosphere.”

Among the registered employers for Thursday’s CareerLink job fair :

• Filterbuy, a manufacturer of air filters for home and office use, is hiring assemblers and shipping/warehouse associates.

• Presbyterian Senior Care, a network of living and care options for seniors based in Oakmont, is hiring for a variety of positions in nursing, housekeeping and maintenance.

• Resources for Human Development, a human services nonprofit, is hiring locally for direct support professionals and supervisors.

• FedEx Supply Chain is recruiting warehouse workers and CDL Class A drivers.

• First Commonwealth Bank is looking for engagement center representatives and financial solutions specialists.

• Emerald Home Health is hiring Licensed Practical Nurses, direct care workers, caregivers and home health aides.

• Lingo Staffing, a staffing agency working with local companies, is recruiting for general labor and warehouse jobs.

Registration for the job fair is not required. It will be held at Westmoreland County Community College, 1150 Fifth Ave., Suite 200, in New Kensington. Applicants are encouraged to bring a resume and two forms of identification. Learn more about the event and career services via CareerLink’s website or call 724-334-8600.