RBC | Northwest Colorado youth ages 17-24 can get paid while gaining valuable job search, financial literacy and work skills through a Colorado Workforce Center pilot program set to launch in June.
The Workplace Survival Bootcamp includes one week of classroom instruction on topics such as resume writing, interviewing, workplace “soft skills’,’self-advocacy and financial literacy. Participants will complete an interest assessment and explore career opportunities, and will earn $150 for the classroom portion of the bootcamp, followed by placement in a two-week paid work experience.
The goal of this bootcamp is to support those with barriers to employment in getting long-term employment in an occupation that highlights their skills, knowledge and passion.
“The bootcamp is designed to help young people quickly gain skills that will set them up for long-term success in the workplace,” said Samantha Freese, Glenwood Workforce Center Youth Career coach and bootcamp coordinator. “This opportunity will allow participants to get customized training in a setting devoted to career success. The internship will be a place for students to immediately practice the skills they have learned and gain confidence in themselves before working with their career coach to find long-term employment. Leaving high school without a plan can be a scary experience for young people, and we are here to help alleviate that fear.”
This program was created to serve high school graduates without a clear next step and youth with barriers to employment who are interested in enhancing their workplace skills, getting a summer internship or are in need of career coaching. These are services typically offered at workforce centers, but Freese said the goal of a cohort-style program is to create a community of people in similar situations, so youth can support and empower each other to meet their individual goals.
Barriers to employment include:
● Those considered low income
● Those with a disability (mental or physical)
● English language learners
● Justice-involved (including minor infractions such as trespassing or minor in possession)
● Houseless
● Someone who did not complete high school
● Those who are pregnant or parenting
The participant commitment for classroom work will be approximately 12 hours over four days, June 20-23. Internships will be June 24 through July 7, but may be staggered based on business and participant schedules.
“This is one of the best ideas I’ve seen come out of the workforce system,” said Northwest Workforce Area Business Services Coordinator Christina Oxley. “In this program, participants are paid by the workforce system, creating an excellent opportunity for employers to not only teach critical job skills, but to really assess whether a participant is a good fit for long-term employment.”
“The benefits and support for businesses are unique,” added Carolyn Tucker, Regional Business Services Coordinator for the Rural Resort. “Not only are participants’ wages paid, they are also covered by worker’s compensation, and we can help create mentorship programs and set up a short-term work experience, making this truly a risk-free opportunity for participating businesses.”
Those interested in enrolling in the bootcamp can call Marie Hooks at 970-409-741. Businesses interested in hosting an intern can reach out to Christina Oxley at [email protected] or text 970-620-1690.
PRESS RELEASE | Submitted to the Herald Times
