Summer Offers Great Opportunity for Youth Employment – Austin and/or Travis County
The Work-Based Learning/Summer Youth Employment program (WBL/SYEP) is a joint venture of the City of Austin and Travis County Health & Human Services Departments. The program is for youth between the ages of 14 to 17 (14 to 22 for youth with disabilities) (participants must be 14 years of age no later than April 1, 2013) who reside in the City of Austin and/or Travis County, and attend school within that same area. Youth are recruited and referred through a number of avenues such as faith-based, non-profit, and community-based organizations. Each participant is provided with a broad range of projects in work settings within the public sector (City of Austin and Travis County), non-profit organizations, and private businesses.
The program provides an opportunity for young people to develop competence and confidence as well as workplace skills in a “real-world of work” environment. Those chosen for the program will be exposed to career awareness and exploration while developing their own career paths. Additionally, youth will interact with positive, successful adult role models who provide guidance in setting and achieving goals.
A key prerequisite for participation with WBL/SYEP includes Job Readiness Training and involves the completion of a job application, understanding workplace expectations, and learning how to adapt in a work environment. The opportunity to work an average of 96 hours in one of two 5-week sessions during the summer (while earning minimum wage) will be offered to participants.
Parents can register youth for Job Readiness Training beginning January 2, 2013 by calling 512 854 4590. All Job Readiness Training must be completed no later than March 31, 2013.