Driving Success: How EDSI and Rohrich Toyota Partnered to Create Meaningful Employment Opportunities

EDSI’s Reemployment Transition Center (RTC) has recently forged a promising partnership with Rohrich Toyota, a distinguished member of the Rohrich Automotive Group with multiple dealerships across Pittsburgh and Allegheny County. This success story highlights the collaborative efforts between RTC and Rohrich Toyota in facilitating meaningful employment opportunities for job seekers, exemplifying the transformative power of strategic partnerships in workforce development for clients in the TANF EARN & WorkReady program space.

Among these individuals is Mr. William Finkley, a participant in the EARN program since 2023, who sought new opportunities aligned with his career aspirations and skill set.

The partnership between RTC and Rohrich Toyota was initiated by Doug Penhallegon, a Business Services Representative at RTC and a loyal customer of Rohrich Toyota since 2019. Upon noticing a "We're hiring!" sign during a service visit, Doug seized the opportunity to explore potential employment avenues for RTC participants. His proactive approach led to a productive conversation with Ms. Christine Acton, the Service Manager at Rohrich Toyota.

Inspired by the employment opportunities at Rohrich Toyota, Doug identified Mr. Finkley as a promising candidate for a lube technician position. Ms. Acton, recognizing Mr. Finkley's potential, extended an interview invitation, which ultimately resulted in an hour-long conversation discussing additional positions and growth opportunities within the company. Impressed by Mr. Finkley's enthusiasm and skills, Ms. Acton offered him a full-time job as a lube technician, with competitive compensation of $18.00 per hour and comprehensive benefits.

Rohrich Toyota offers an array of benefits to its employees, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, short-term and long-term disability benefits, paid vacation and holidays, life insurance, and a 401(k) plan with company match. Additionally, employees can take advantage of company-wide wellness programs, discounted vehicle purchases, and a clean and professional work environment. For qualified candidates, relocation assistance is also available.

As an automotive technician at Rohrich Toyota, employees can expect state-of-the-art facilities with lifts, equipped with the newest technology and equipment to ensure efficiency and productivity. Uniforms are provided, along with individual lockers, maintaining a professional and organized work environment. The shop fosters a great learning environment for technicians seeking career growth, offering ASE reimbursement, GM school, and continued education opportunities, including manufacturer hands-on and web-based training. Relocation assistance is available for qualified candidates, and the company even provides paid transportation of toolboxes, demonstrating their commitment to supporting their employees' success.

The success story of Rohrich Toyota and Mr. William Finkley serves as a testament to the value of collaborative efforts in workforce development even through everyday interactions. By leveraging their respective strengths and resources, RTC, Business Services and Rohrich Toyota have created a pathway to employment that benefits both job seekers and employers alike that will offer more opportunities to their clients. This partnership underscores the importance of proactive engagement and personalized support in addressing the needs of the workforce and driving economic prosperity within the community.

This success story was written and provided by EDSI.