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| The first Career Pathways cohort, ready to work |
It can be hard for a young person without work experience to find a job. That goes double for teens who have gotten off track: employers may balk at a candidate who dropped out of high school, or got involved with gangs and the justice system.
Employers need a job-ready workforce. At-risk youth need positive work experiences. The Career Pathways program, developed by our Santa Barbara County Workforce Development Board (WDB), bridges the gap by providing job training and employment opportunities to North County youth ages 16-24. This April, the first cohort of program participants will begin working at area businesses.
The program was envisioned partly as a response to an increase in homicides among disconnected and gang-affiliated youth in the Santa Maria Valley. “Studies show teens that become involved in positive outlets, such as job training and employment, won't get in trouble as often as those who don't have the same options,” said Luis Servin, WDB program manager. “The program gives local youth professional opportunities they wouldn’t otherwise have had. It gives local businesses a chance to connect with a new workforce and find potential long-term employees. And it really strengthens the community as a whole.”
The WDB built the program with a two-year, $2 million grant awarded in May 2016 by the U.S. Department of Labor. Partners in the project include Goodwill Industries, the local Chamber of Commerce, the County Education Office, and numerous other public and nonprofit organizations.
Participating youth get 200 hours of paid work experience. Participating businesses are expected to provide coaching and mentoring along the way. The program pays for the youth's wages, workers comp and health insurance.
The program also offers career counseling, physical and mental health screening, substance abuse workshops, and parent and employer engagement. Parents must attend at least one meeting, with various topics discussed, including reducing violence.
About 60 youth are involved so far. Over two years, the program aims to serve 260 youth. “I’m very optimistic,” Servin said. “We’ve seen great success with the students so far, and we’re bombarded with applications to get into the program.”
Youth and businesses interested in participating can contact Samantha Limon at Goodwill Industries at 928-5282 or slimon@goodwillvsb.org, complete an application at http://www.sbc2csummeryouthemployment.org, or pick up an application in person at the Goodwill office at 210 E. Enos Drive in Santa Maria.