FAST FACTS ABOUT THE SUMMER YOUTH WORK EXPERIENCE 2010

WHAT: THE SUMMER YOUTH EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM: Workforce Solutions plans to coordinate 325 work experiences for young people.  Private, non-profit and public companies are urged to pledge short term meaningful work experiences and training opportunities for targeted youth participants.  The youth participants will be compensated at no cost to the company and workers’ compensation will be covered for youth while at a company’s worksite.  Youth participants will be paid by Workforce Solutions at the rate of $8 per hour, 32 hours per week for a period of six weeks.

WHO: Young people, ages 16 – 21, who live in Martin, St. Lucie, Okeechobee, and Indian River counties are eligible.  Participating youth must meet economically disadvantaged income guidelines and complete a full Workforce Investment Act (WIA) Application prior to enrolling.  225 Out-of-School and 100 In-School Youth will be selected.  Out-of-school youth are defined as young people who are not currently enrolled in school (are high school graduates, GED recipients or dropouts) and are not employed in self sufficient jobs.  Enrollment priority will be given to youth who did not participate in last year’s Summer Youth Program.

All youth participants attend a two week work readiness training to prepare them for their work experience opportunity.  The training is titled YESS (Youth Employment Success Solutions) and the curriculum was developed from our nationally credited Work Certified Program.  During the training, youth review basic math functions and reading comprehension, learn how to prepare for employment, practice effective communication and are exposed to work expectations such as attendance, customer service, problem solving and teamwork.

WORK EXPERIENCE SITES: Companies interested in hosting youth for the six weeks must meet the following criteria:

• Willing to provide meaningful work experience for 32 hours per week for 6 weeks.
• Maintain a permanent worksite location that employs at least 3 full-time employees.
• Willing to provide continuous on-site supervision.
• Adhere to all Child Labor Laws and Health and Safety Regulations.
• Ensure personnel are always accessible by phone during working hours.
• Ensure participants will not be employed at a casino or other gambling establishment, aquarium, zoo, golf course or swimming pool.

HOW: Interested companies who meet the eligibility criteria complete an on-line Work Experience Pledge at our website www.yourworkforcesolutions.com, just click on the EMPLOYERS link and follow the prompts.  Once the pledge is received, a Workforce Solutions’ representative contacts the company and schedules an on-site Worksite Review during which the details of the program are discussed and a Worksite Agreement is signed by both parties.  The company assigns supervisor(s) for the youth participant(s) and schedules the supervisor for an orientation of the Summer Youth Program given by Workforce Solutions.  Workforce Solutions also provides staff, “Youth Job Coaches”, who monitor the progress of the youth participants while at the worksites and who are available to assist supervisors if needed.  Youth participants are matched with work experience pledges according to their career and education goals and/or their assessed needs and skills.

The goal of the Summer Youth Employment and Training Program is to prepare young adults for the world of work and a future of self-sufficiency.  Help us invest in tomorrow’s workforce. Partner with us to stimulate our local economy and support a highly competitive workforce on the Treasure Coast!

Summer Youth Worksite Agreement - Please Read First!

Summer Youth Work Experience Pledge Form

Out of school youth programs are for young adults 16-21 who have either completed their high school education, are still seeking their diploma/GED or want to improve their work readiness skills. This program may better prepare you for what employers are looking for and support career training through Work readiness training, paid work experiences or continuing education assistance.

In school youth services are located in many high schools throughout the Treasure Coast. Teachers provide the mentoring and training. These programs focus on skill development with a goal of helping you complete your education while preparing for the workforce after high school

In school program will help:

• Enhance basic skills
• Improve retention in educational programs
• Summer work experience opportunities
• Provide job search skills

2009 Summer Youth Employment Program

Over the summer months, 515 youth were enrolled in the Summer Youth Employment program.  226 completed work-readiness and were placed in 8-weeks of 'work experience' with 125 businesses where they earned hourly wages.  283 youth participated in work readiness program and in 8 weeks of job shadowing, education and career readiness activities where they also earned incentives.

“ I really think the summer intern program is a win/win overall. For the employer, it provides some extra help to lighten the load for some of our staff, and for the young people, especially those in areas such as Indiantown, it is an opportunity to not only make some income for the summer, but also an opportunity for them to experience workplace procedures, expectations, etc. as they prepare to enter the workforce in general. The young people that worked with us this summer did an excellent job and displayed excellent attitudes toward learning and being a part of our team.” Business Partner

Read more: Summer Youth 2009