Youth Program participant, Robbie, learned some hands on skills.
Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE), Tioga County has teamed up with Broome-Tioga Workforce New York to provide 18 to 24 year old at risk young adults the opportunity to participate in a “Youth Apprenticeship Training Program” to learn valuable workplace skills.
In accordance with the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), the program assists out of school youth, 18 to 24 years old, to overcome barriers to employment; such as high school dropout, offender, etc. The primary objective is to provide these at risk young adults with the necessary skills and knowledge to secure gainful employment; many of whom enter the program without basic job/academic skills and a lack of job history.
Cara Zampi, CCE youth employment educator, provides one-on-one Career Placement and Work Readiness classes for at risk young adults. During the youth orientation with the participants Cara will create an Employment Plan for each of them. The goal is to place the young adult at a worksite that will align with their employment goal.
During the past month, one participant, Robbie (shown in photo), stated that he enjoys working with his hands and wants to learn more about carpentry and/or welding. Robbie was placed at a worksite, Curtis Custom Woodworking, Owego, N.Y., owned by Don Curtis, for an eight week period. After Robbie completed the Apprenticeship Program Curtis had many positive things to say about his work.
“Robbie’s work ethic made him one of the best workers that I have ever had. He wasn’t afraid to ask questions and was very eager to learn,” said Curtis.
In these difficult economic times many business owners agree that maintaining a high staff load is difficult and hard to afford. By engaging young adults through the Youth Apprenticeship Training Program businesses find it is economical and a good opportunity to help young adults learn valuable skills and build workplace experiences. Businesses participating in the program are helping to ensure that young adults have the skills necessary to be successful in the local workforce.
To learn more about the Youth Apprenticeship Training Program or to refer a young adult to the program, contact Cara Zampi at Cornell Cooperative Extension, Tioga County at 687-4020 or visit tioga.cce.cornell.edu.
