Pennsylvania Commission for Community Colleges > Workforce Development

Commonwealth Workforce Development System / Career Link

The Commonwealth Workforce Development System (CWDS) provides access to Pennsylvania workforce development and independent living services provided by the Departments of Labor & Industry and Public Welfare.

Who can use CWDS?

Participants are Job seekers and other individuals seeking services. They can create résumés and match their skills, requirements and backgrounds with job openings.
Employers can use CWDS to find qualified job applicants.
Service or Training Providers can use CWDS to receive referrals of those seeking the services, programs or training they provide.
Agency Staff use CWDS to track service delivery. This shared system streamlines service-provision and provides a comprehensive view of services provided to any individual.See Shared Services/Security below.

Shared Services/Security

CWDS replaced outmoded, separate systems in order to allow more efficient and comprehensive service delivery. While some data is shared among staff of more than one agency, security of users' information is protected. Access to shared data is based on the type of participant (for example, children receiving independent living services) and the security level granted for a users role (i.e. agency staff, employer, provider). High standards of privacy are maintained, and confidential data such as Social Security Numbers are encrypted and used only where necessary to meet federal requirements.