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More than 100 young adults participated in Big Five Community Services Inc.’s summer youth program which is designed to teach them a number of skills to make them more employable.
“They were given the opportunity to gain pre-employment skills, develop an individualized career strategy, network with local community resources, attain a resume entry and earn a little spending money,” Southern Workforce Board Director Kerry Manning said.
This year, the summer youth program served young adults ages 14 to 24.
Big Five is the service provider for the SWB’s Workforce Investment Act’s funds, which also included additional funding this year through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The Southern Workforce Board and Big Five Community Services Inc. are members of America’s Workforce Network.
Program participants started their summer employment work experience in June with a two-day work readiness skills development session that focused on career planning, life-skills training and pre-employment skill development. They then began working at a variety of private and public work sites under the direction of qualified personnel. Whenever possible, the work experience assignments were planned to closely align with participants’ career goals. In addition to learning job skills, participants learned about time management, conflict resolution, team work and following directions.
Big Five also recruited youth to participate in various “green” jobs including recycling, landscaping, transferring paperwork to microfilm/microfiche, habitat preservation and energy conservation. Each participant received on-the-job training and learned about the importance of “going green” and how it will ultimately affect their environment.
Following the conclusion of the program, 56 percent of the participants enrolled in or returned to school, 7 percent became gainfully employed and 22 percent extended the work experience with their current employer.
Jakki Mize, who worked at Arbuckle Truck Driving School, said she benefited from the experience.
“The summer youth program provided me with an opportunity to work in a professional environment, and therefore I was able to improve my communication and computer skills while earning money to pay for my college education,” she said. “I learned that doors will open to opportunities for advancement in a job when a person works hard and gives 100 percent to doing their job well.”
Bashay Malone worked in Ardmore’s Workforce Oklahoma office and said working for Big Five taught her how to conduct herself in a professional work environment.
“I have learned a lot about the work industry and what it takes to succeed,” she said. “I have even become more interested in the world around me. It is important to know that your destiny is your decision.”
Manning said the participants made almost $300,000 in wages this summer.
“Not only does this put spending money in the pockets of these youth, but also gives a small boost to our economy in these difficult times,” she said.
More than 100 young adults participated in Big Five Community Services Inc.’s summer youth program which is designed to teach them a number of skills to make them more employable.
“They were given the opportunity to gain pre-employment skills, develop an individualized career strategy, network with local community resources, attain a resume entry and earn a little spending money,” Southern Workforce Board Director Kerry Manning said.
This year, the summer youth program served young adults ages 14 to 24.
Big Five is the service provider for the SWB’s Workforce Investment Act’s funds, which also included additional funding this year through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The Southern Workforce Board and Big Five Community Services Inc. are members of America’s Workforce Network.
Program participants started their summer employment work experience in June with a two-day work readiness skills development session that focused on career planning, life-skills training and pre-employment skill development. They then began working at a variety of private and public work sites under the direction of qualified personnel. Whenever possible, the work experience assignments were planned to closely align with participants’ career goals. In addition to learning job skills, participants learned about time management, conflict resolution, team work and following directions.
Big Five also recruited youth to participate in various “green” jobs including recycling, landscaping, transferring paperwork to microfilm/microfiche, habitat preservation and energy conservation. Each participant received on-the-job training and learned about the importance of “going green” and how it will ultimately affect their environment.
Following the conclusion of the program, 56 percent of the participants enrolled in or returned to school, 7 percent became gainfully employed and 22 percent extended the work experience with their current employer.
Jakki Mize, who worked at Arbuckle Truck Driving School, said she benefited from the experience.
“The summer youth program provided me with an opportunity to work in a professional environment, and therefore I was able to improve my communication and computer skills while earning money to pay for my college education,” she said. “I learned that doors will open to opportunities for advancement in a job when a person works hard and gives 100 percent to doing their job well.”
Bashay Malone worked in Ardmore’s Workforce Oklahoma office and said working for Big Five taught her how to conduct herself in a professional work environment.
“I have learned a lot about the work industry and what it takes to succeed,” she said. “I have even become more interested in the world around me. It is important to know that your destiny is your decision.”
Manning said the participants made almost $300,000 in wages this summer.
“Not only does this put spending money in the pockets of these youth, but also gives a small boost to our economy in these difficult times,” she said.
