Board introduces program to connect youth with 21st century careers
South Central Workforce Investment Board announces it will be providing a summer employment program that will prepare young Missourians in the this region for careers in the high-tech, high-paying industries of the 21st century.
The program, known as the Next-Generation Jobs Team, matches youth ages 16 to 24 with paid summer jobs and internships at cutting-edge employers throughout the area. More than 300 local youth will be placed in positions, including those in Texas County.
“This is part of the president’s stimulus plan, and Gov. Nixon has decided to implement this through the Workforce Investment Boards of Missouri rather than create another agency to run it through,” said Leo Warren, Oregon County presiding commissioner and this region’s chair.
According to Warren, Nixon said he chose the Workforce Investment Board to kick off the program because it is active and had a good track record.
As part of the program, SCWIB and partner staff will work with the young people to identify career fields of interest and then place them with participating employers.
“It’s exciting to be able to offer eligible young workers an exciting summer work experience that could lead to an awarding career,” said SCWIB Director Tana Holder.
Next-Generation Jobs Team participants will spend the summer gaining on-the-job training and work experience, along with ongoing guidance and support from professional career counselors from Ozark Action Inc., West Plains, and South Central Missouri Community Action Agency, Winona. Wages for the young workers are funded by the U.S. Department of Labor through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
In the statewide announcement on April 17, Nixon lauded how the program not only helps young people gain vital experience, it helps employers develop a pool of talent to meet their needs for educated and qualified workers and to “build the workforce that will lead Missouri’s economy into the future.”
Young Missourians or businesses interested in participating in the Next-Generation Jobs Team can apply on the Web site www.summerjobs.mo.gov or call 800-592-6020 or 417-257-2630. The program will be available between May 1 and Sept. 30, 2009. There is no fee to participate, and some eligibility requirements will apply.