Nearly every local youth aged 16 to 24 who attended Workforce Connections NxGen Youth Paid Internship Fair on June 23, 2016 were offered internships by local employers.
One hundred young adults attended the internship fair, and 94 walked away with at least one work opportunity, with many youth receiving multiple offers. Employers included Originate, Goodwill of Southern Nevada, Clean the World Organization, Batteries in a Flash, New York Life, BMC, PLI and State Farm Insurance.
“The success of this event is significant,” said Ardell Galbreth, Workforce Connections executive director. “There has been a nearly 40% decline in youth employment over the past twelve years. Yet, we know youth who work are more likely to return to school, have a job in subsequent years and earn more money over the course of their lives. They are also less likely to engage in crime and other high-risk behaviors.”
Nationally, more than 5 million young people ages 16 to 24 are both out of school and out of work – a statistic with dire economic and social consequences which Workforce Connections and other local Workforce Development Boards are working to address.
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Youth Program provides quality services for youth and young adults beginning with career exploration and guidance, continued support for educational attainment, opportunities for skills training in in-demand industries and occupations, and culminating with a good job along a career pathway or enrollment in post-secondary education.
Last fiscal year, Workforce Connections served 2,141 local youth, about half of which were out-of-school. Of those not in school, 683 local youth secured employment, 140 youth entered post-secondary education, and 614 youth earned high school diplomas or GEDs.
Youth aged 16 to 24 seeking help to achieve academic and employment success can find more information about no cost youth programs offered through Workforce Connections at www.nvworkforceconnections.org.
Monday, July 11, 2016 kicks off Workforce Development Week – an effort by the Workforce Development Council of the US Conference of Mayors to promote the efforts of Workforce Development Boards across the country.
#WkDevWeek #Youth
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About Workforce Connections
Workforce Connections’ mission is to connect employers to a ready workforce. The passing of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) provides opportunity for reforms to ensure the One-Stop Delivery System (also known as the American Job Center System) is job-driven, responding to the needs of employers and preparing workers for jobs that are available now and in the future. For more information, visit: www.nvworkforceconnections.org.
About the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)
On July 22, 2014 President Barack Obama signed into law the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). The new law is designed to improve and streamline access to federally funded employment, education, training and support services. Congress passed the law by a wide bipartisan majority. It is the first legislative reform in 15 years of the public workforce system. https://www.doleta.gov/wioa/