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Are you 14 to 21 years old?
Need a part time job while you're in school? Need a GED?
Out of school? Short on money?
WIA works for Youth! Click here!
See what our participants have to say
about the value of Workforce!
(A HUGE thanks to Zach Mica, Producer, and all of the youth
who participated in our new video.)
Then, call McHenry County Workforce Network at 815-206-5201 today to find out if you are eligible for a paid internship or money for short-term advanced career training. Then, click here for:
Eligibility / Program Application
Workforce Skills for 2012!!
Thanks to all Presenters & Volunteers!
The McHenry County Workforce Network’s Youth Program implemented the Workforce Skills for 2012 work readiness program this July. This program was funded with WIA dollars and was supplemented with a grant awarded from the McHenry County Community Foundation. The program was held at McHenry County College.
Workforce Skills for 2012 consisted of seven full training days focusing on communication skills, decision-making skills, interpersonal/social skills and soft skills that employers say young people are lacking when entering the workforce. The youth were presented information in the four topic areas with the collaboration of 36 volunteers consisting of community members, business representatives and other interested parties. The youth listened to presentations, asked questions of an employer panel, held discussions and completed group activities to enhance their learning of the material.
The youth completed the three Work Keys exams, giving them the opportunity to earn their National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC). Employers can then see to what degree a young job candidate is work ready. Youth also completed a Real World Simulation to practice budgeting and goal setting in a simulation exercise enhancing money management skills. The last day of training consisted of a day’s worth of activities interacting with local employer representatives to complete mock interviews, to discuss their resumes, and to participate in a group interview exercise.
We had 92% of invited youth attend the training, with 63% having good attendance (meaning they effectively communicated any absences). 35% of our youth had perfect attendance and received incentives for their commitment to the program.
Out of the 45 youth who completed the Work Keys exam, 36 youth obtained certificates (80%). 11% obtained the Gold Level, 47% obtained the Silver Level, and 42% obtained the Bronze Level. 73% of those taking the test were basic skills deficient at the time of intake into the Youth Program.
The youth realized after attending the training that they needed to work on their communication skills; they needed to pay closer attention to work tasks; and they realized there are different types of workers who are all necessary to get the job done. Several youth said they felt the interview practice– with the added concentration of how to present yourself to a prospective employer – was extremely helpful. Several of our volunteers also commented that they felt it was a meaningful exercise for those youth needing interview practice.
Some of our youth attendees at the summer program at McHenry County College.
Work Keys testing to earn National Career Readiness Certificates.
Employer Panel - "What Makes Me Employable."
Workforce Skills for 2012 group activity.
Workforce Skills for 2012 individual activity.
Real World Banking - simulation in money management.
Real World Money Management presentation and simulation.
Here's how you can get involved ...
McHenry County Workforce Network's Workforce Prep Program serves youth from economically disadvantaged families. The year-round program is designed to help young adults aged 14-21 build skills needed to secure jobs and succeed in the workforce. Through instruction, practical experience and guidance, young workers explore career interests, learn job search strategies, and develop work readiness skills. Communication and teamwork are an integral part of the learning experience.
During the summer, half of the Workforce Prep Program participants engage in hands-on learning through a paid work experience at a non-profit organization. Counselors make every effort to match each youth with a site that fits his/her interests or needs.
Our Workforce Prep Program offers:
Paid work experience
Job search, career planning classes
Basic skill enhancement
Year round program activities
For more information and eligibility requirements:
Workforce Prep Program
Paid Internships - Youth Info
Mentoring Opportunities - Employer Info