Workforce Solutions | Summer Youth Employment (2009)

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

“Overall the program really helped me see how the medical field works.  All of my previous jobs were mostly just a way to survive while going to school, but I never really had an idea of how it would be to work at a hospital.  The program gave me that opportunity.” Alberto age 20 placed at Martin Memorial Hospital hopes to become a pharmacist.

Youth participants were well prepared in work readiness skills prior to placement at the worksite.  Each youth received 32 hours of hands-on,  real-world application with the classroom instruction in YESS (Youth Employment Success Solutions) Curriculum developed by Region 20 Work Certified staff.  During the work readiness training, youth completed career and skill assessments that aided Job Coaches in making appropriate work experience matches.  Good matches between the worksite and the youth, enhanced the success rate of placements.  The curriculum provided the youth with an excellent understanding of employer expectations and reduced the anxiety and uncertainty for the first time workers. This program was funded by American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (stimulus). 

Read article on TCPalm about the program!
Read article on the St Lucie County program by Hometown News!
Read article on the Martin County program by Hometown News!
Read article on the Indian River program by Hometown News!