Lexington’s Summer Youth Job Training Program Promotes Employability Among Teens
Local youths get a head-start in the workforce through a unique summer program
City of Lexington, Kentucky, proudly launches a new initiative aimed at enhancing the employability and skills of its young residents. The “Summer Youth Job Training Program,” implemented by the Partners For Youth project, has over 100 local businesses teaming up to provide gainful employment to teenagers during their summer break.
Preparing the Workforce of Tomorrow
The youth seem to be happily trading a summer of relaxation for the chance to gain valuable on-the-job experience. This program is truly the first of its kind, providing these ambitious youths the opportunity to work at host companies for 20 hours a week. Beyond giving them a taste of the real-world working experience, the program is also a way for them to explore potential career paths.
One of these host businesses is a local Tennis Association. The Association’s executive director, enthusiastically embraced the program to help staff her bustling summer program. She sees the initiative as mutually beneficial – the teens get the work experience, and she has the summer staff she needs.
“We’re welcoming young people into our organization and teaching them about being good employees and proactive contributors to the workforce. It’s all about setting them up for future success,” she exclaimed.
A Win-win Initiative
High schoolers participating in the program are compensated with $15 per hour, a funding that comes from the American Rescue Plan Act, making the initiative a win-win for everyone. For six weeks of summer, teenage participants will learn, explore, and gain insights into their potential career interests while having a taste of the real working world.
Two participating students, already a week into the program, are finding the experience exhilarating. One of them shared, “The people here are amazing, and the work is fun, it’s fully exceeded my expectations.”
Program’s Timeline and Execution
The six-week program will continue for about another month, but it is already evident that it is making a difference. By the end of the program, 300 teens would have completed the program, hopefully with a newfound purpose, direction, and aspiration for their future careers.
This is a novel pilot that other cities could model to get their youths prepared for the workforce. It’s not just about creating job opportunities but also equipping the younger generation with critical life skills and helping them make informed decisions about their future careers.
