Vermont Business Magazine Governor Peter Shumlin, Chittenden County State's Attorney TJ Donovan, and the Vermont Department of Labor (VDOL) in Burlington today announced a 'Jobs for Youths' initiative to help at-risk youths find employment. The Jobs for Youths initiative will provide one-on-one mentoring services for at-risk youths to help match them with summer employment opportunities and prepare them to enter the workforce. Participants will be assigned a case manager who identifies the candidate’s strengths and interests and connects them with an appropriate training provider. A job fair will be held on June 23 at King Street Youth Center in Burlington for those interested in taking advantage of the program. From 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. VDOL will provide workshops to assist youth in the completion of applications, mock interviewing, searching available jobs, and exploring career pathways. Employers will participate from 1 pm to 3 pm.
"This is a collaboration across state government to help young Vermonters get on the path to success," Gov. Shumlin said. "Young Vermonters who have made mistakes in the past deserve a second chance, This could be that second chance for some, and I would encourage any who are interested to attend the job fair."
All those ages 16 to 24 seeking employment are encouraged to attend the job fair on June 23, especially those facing at-risk barriers to employment, which may include:
- High School Dropout
- Individual with a diploma who is Basic Skills deficient or an English Language Learner (ELL)
- Offender with a criminal record
- Homeless, runaway, foster child
- Pregnant or parenting
- Disability
- Needs Additional Assistance to enter/complete an educational program or secure or hold employment
The Initiative will be funded through the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), which will cover the participants wage and worker’s compensation, allowing a training site to concentrate on skill development. Employers will have the opportunity to interview candidates and assist VDOL staff with developing a job description and schedule. Mentoring employers will be required to review weekly timesheets and to complete monthly performance review.
Source: Governor's office 6.13.2016