PNC Bank is reinforcing its commitment to career development and community investment through the expansion of its PartnerUp® program and the introduction of a new employee education benefit. These initiatives underscore PNC’s dedication to fostering accessible pathways into rewarding financial services careers, addressing both the needs of aspiring professionals and the evolving demands of the industry.
PartnerUp®, a PNC Bank-led initiative, is extending its reach to Cleveland and Birmingham, Alabama, building upon a successful five-year track record in the Pittsburgh area. This program is designed to connect high school graduates with well-paying, entry-level careers in high-growth sectors like healthcare and, significantly, financial services. By collaborating with local employers and educational institutions, PartnerUp® provides students with the essential skills and opportunities to embark on debt-free career paths immediately after graduation.
“With PartnerUp’s expansion, we are increasing our impact by partnering with more employers and educational institutions to equip local high school graduates with the necessary skills for entry-level roles in high-demand industries, including financial services, without the burden of student loan debt,” stated Vicki Henn, PNC chief human resources officer. “As a company focused on talent development, PNC is deeply invested in impactful programs and educational initiatives that promote career advancement and economic opportunities within the communities we serve.”
Since its inception in 2018, PartnerUp® has collaborated with 30 schools and 16 employers, facilitating opportunities for over 6,000 high school students to access direct routes to in-demand careers. PNC’s commitment to expanding this program arrives at a critical time, as employers nationwide continue to navigate workforce shortages exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. This initiative not only benefits students but also strengthens the talent pipeline for industries facing these challenges.
Brianna McMeekin, PNC talent program manager, emphasizes the evolving perspective on talent acquisition in today’s labor market. “In the current landscape, it’s crucial for employers to re-evaluate traditional qualifications and actively participate in talent development. PartnerUp offers a platform for employers to cultivate a talent pool directly from local high schools, aligning curriculum with career education standards and establishing clear pathways to success for students after graduation.”
The expansion into Cleveland and Birmingham represents a strategic move to replicate and deploy this successful career pathway program across PNC’s broader footprint. PartnerUp® is a multi-session program integrated into the school year, providing students with valuable career development resources. These resources include curriculum-based learning, resume writing workshops, interview coaching, and employer recruitment events, all designed to prepare graduates for immediate entry into the workforce.
Image alt text: High school students engaging in a PartnerUp career skills workshop, focusing on resume building and interview techniques to prepare for PNC financial services careers.
PNC Bank has directly benefited from the PartnerUp® program, having hired over 100 graduates since 2018, with 87 accepting and beginning their careers within the financial services company. Other program graduates have successfully secured positions with partner companies, demonstrating the broad effectiveness of PartnerUp® in launching careers.
Neylienid Quinones, a recent graduate from Cleveland’s John Marshall School of Civic & Business Leadership, exemplifies the transformative impact of PartnerUp®. The program’s hands-on training, networking opportunities, and career coaching led to her securing an entry-level position with PNC’s Talent Recruitment team. Quinones, along with over 30 seniors from Cleveland Metropolitan School District, received job offers from PNC or other PartnerUp® partner employers.
“PartnerUp was truly eye-opening,” Quinones shared. “I was seeking employment, but I never anticipated landing such a significant role. Previously working in fast food, I was considering retail. Instead, PartnerUp® provided the incredible opportunity to transition from fast food to a fulfilling career in financial services as my second job.”
PartnerUp® is complemented by another significant PNC investment in employee development: a new education benefit program in partnership with Guild. This program, available to PNC’s 62,000 employees after just 90 days of employment, provides access to a wide range of educational opportunities.
This comprehensive benefit offers full-time and part-time employees a curated catalog of tuition-covered professional certificates, college preparatory courses, and associate and bachelor’s degrees. These resources are specifically designed to enhance career mobility within PNC, particularly in high-demand fields within financial services such as data science and cybersecurity. Employees can access fully funded, partially funded, and reimbursement options to support their educational and career advancement goals.
“We are proud to collaborate with PNC to expand career opportunities for their workforce,” said Natalie McCullough, Guild president and chief commercial officer. “As a leading financial services institution, PNC’s investment in its employees’ education demonstrates a strong commitment to career mobility in critical areas like data science and cybersecurity, strategically building career pathways for its existing team members.”
Image alt text: Diverse team of PNC employees collaborating in a modern office, symbolizing PNC’s commitment to fostering career growth and development in financial services.
PNC Bank’s dual approach, through PartnerUp® and the employee education benefit, demonstrates a holistic strategy to cultivate talent pipelines and foster career growth at all levels. For high school students, PartnerUp® offers a direct entry into financial services careers, while the employee education benefit empowers PNC’s workforce to continuously develop their skills and advance within the organization. These initiatives solidify PNC’s position as a leader in not only financial services but also in career development and community investment. For individuals seeking a fulfilling and growth-oriented career in the financial sector, PNC presents significant opportunities through programs like PartnerUp® and its robust employee benefits.
For more information about PNC careers and opportunities, visit the PNC careers website.
About PartnerUp
PartnerUp is an in-school program facilitated by employers, designed to equip high school students for successful careers after graduation. The program focuses on resume building, interview skills enhancement, and the development of essential power skills, preparing students to effectively pursue available job opportunities. For further details, visit https://pnc.foleon.com/students/partnerup/.
About Guild
Guild’s Career Opportunity Platform enables forward-thinking employers to invest in their employees by providing access to education and learning programs, career development resources, and personalized coaching. Guild aims to unlock life-changing opportunities for personal and professional growth. For more information, visit https://www.guildeducation.com/.
About PNC Bank
PNC Bank, N.A., is a member of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE: PNC). PNC is a leading diversified financial services institution in the United States, committed to strong customer relationships and local community engagement. PNC offers a comprehensive range of services including retail and business banking, lending products, specialized corporate and government services, wealth management, and asset management. For more information about PNC, visit www.pnc.com.
CONTACT:
Asia Rambo (678) 428-5812 [email protected]
SOURCE PNC Bank
