VENTURA, CALIF.—Young adults, ages 18 to 24, will have an opportunity for work experience at local businesses, government agencies and nonprofit organizations through a new, two-month California Youth@Work program. These paid positions are funded by the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and the Workforce Investment Act. They will be administered by the Workforce Investment Board (WIB). Jobs run through March 31.
The program is an extension of the successful summer California Youth@Work program, in which over 600 Ventura County young people and over 100 public and private sector organizations participated. "The success of the summer program is an excellent example of how public and private sectors can play an important role in training our future workforce," says Steve Kinney, president, Economic Development Corporation of Oxnard and WIB chair. "We hope for the same enthusiastic participation for this shorter program."
Eligible youth who live in the cities of Ventura, Ojai, Oak View, Santa Paula, Fillmore, Piru, Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park, Camarillo, Somis, Moorpark and Simi Valley, can earn $9.50 per hour and work between 60 and 240 hours. All wages and employer payroll costs will be covered by the program. In addition, they will receive eight hours of training in career planning, teamwork, leadership, interpersonal skills and job search techniques.
"We are currently looking for employers who are willing to provide valuable work experience to young people who may not otherwise have access to employment,"
The program is operated by the City of Oxnard City Corps with technical assistance provided through the Human Services Agency's Business & Employment Services Department. Employers interested in offering work experience to young adults can call City Corps Youth@Work at (805) 385-8113.
