YOUNG ADULTS

Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Youth Programs:

WIOA youth programming offers services to eligible out-of-school and in-school youth in the areas of literacy and math, High School Equivalency preparation (HiSET and GED), job readiness skills, career exploration and employment brokering.

Key elements of the program include:
• Assessment & development of an Individual Service Strategy (ISS) for each youth.
• Career Readiness Training
• Career Exploration Activities
• HiSET/GED preparation
• Referrals to educational partners for advanced training or post-secondary education
• Job search assistance
• Job retention support

The following services are offered to youth participants through WIOA funded programs.

1. Tutoring, study skills training, and instruction, leading to completion of secondary school, including dropout prevention strategies
2. Alternative secondary school services, as appropriate
3. Paid and unpaid work experiences which may include; summer employment opportunities that are directly linked to academic and occupational learning; pre-apprenticeship programs; internships and job shadowing; and on-the-job training opportunities
4. Occupational skill training, which shall include priority consideration for training programs that lead to recognized postsecondary credentials that are aligned with in-demand industry sectors or occupation in the local area involved
5. Comprehensive guidance and counseling, which may include drug and alcohol abuse counseling and referral, as appropriate
6. Leadership development opportunities, which may include community service and peer centered activities encouraging responsibility and other positive social behaviors during non school hours, as appropriate
7. Supportive services
8. Adult mentoring for the period of participation and a subsequent period, for a total of not less than 12 months
9. Follow up services for not less than 12 months after the completion of participation, as appropriate
10. Financial literacy education
11. Entrepreneurial skills training
12. Services that provide labor market and employment information about in-demand industry sectors or occupations available in the local area, such as career awareness, career counseling, and career exploration services
13. Activities that help youth prepare for and transition to postsecondary education and training
14. Education offered concurrently with and in the same context as workforce preparation activities and training for a specific occupation or occupational cluster

Help with Job Readiness and Obtaining Employment:

Do you need help finding a job? We can help.  Our Youth Service Staff can assist you with job applications, resume writing, interviewing and other work readiness skills.  We can also assist you with your job search.  Utilize our job search workshops, visit our on-site employer recruitments and review our weekly hot jobs list.   In addition, you are welcome to use our PCs, fax machines, telephones, copiers and scanners as part of your job search process.

YouthWorks Summer and Year Round Employment Programming:

YouthWorks is a state-funded youth employment program that helps teens and young adults get the skills and experience needed to find and keep jobs.  Participants take part in paid short-term work placements during the summer and/or school year at public, private and nonprofit worksites.  Participants also receive training in core soft skills so they can practice professional behaviors and learn how to relate to supervisors and co-workers at their worksites. And they learn how to take the next steps in their education and career pathways. Our YouthWorks programs uses the Signal Success curriculum to help young people learn and practice the skills that matter at work, at school, and in life. 

If you are interested in seeing if you qualify for a paid work and learning opportunity, please contact us.

Email MassHire Youth Connection staff at youthprograms@masshirebristol.org

Phone 508-675-9245

TDD/TTY 1-800-439-0183