Sherry Elander, left, a transition teacher at Westfield High School, addressed guests to the end of the year YouthWorks program at the Amelia Park Children’s Museum last summer. (Photo by Frederick Gore)
The REB’s goal this year is to place one thousand youths in a summer employment position. This is Westfield’s third year participating in YouthWorks, with 66 youths who are expected to be placed this summer, compared to the 45 who were placed the first year of the program.
“There’s definitely a need in Westfield. Even though there are slots available, the demand for youths to be put in summer jobs is extremely high,” said REB Youth Employment Manager Kathryn Kirby.
The REB believes that state funds can’t be the only resource to rely on. So historically, the REB reaches out to local businesses and is always looking for new employers to participate in the program.
“It’s a huge benefit to both the youth and the employer. There’s no cost to the employer for training,” said Westfield Public Schools Transition Teacher Sherry Elander. “Our youths go through work readiness and skill training, learning about things like safety awareness and hazard training. It’s a wonderful curriculum”.
Prior to employment, youths are required to attend a 15-hour training curriculum focusing on communication, initiative, collaboration and dependability. This year YouthWorks has three curriculums, each one catering towards people’s individual needs. In addition to their standard curriculum, there is also a leader program which is for more experienced and older youths. They also have a language and culture program for youths whose first language isn’t English.
“We try to gauge which curriculum is the best for each individual youth,” said Kirby.
The REB also makes sure to match the youths and the employers thoughtfully. Every application is carefully processed and reviewed.
“We do individual interviews and talk about career aspirations,” said Elander “We really try to get the feel of the youth”. In the selection process the REB also puts transportation into consideration and works hard to find jobs within walking distance or near the bus lines.
The end goal of YouthWorks is for people to be hired by employers after the program ends. With REB’s thorough selection process, youths can match their different career aspirations and obtain the best job experience. YouthWorks is an ongoing support system and provide youths with the skills needed to become a productive part of the workforce.
“You can tell the difference between those who had the skill training and those who didn’t,” said Kirby. “Youths could gain the attention of potential employers. People need to take advantage of such a great opportunity”.
Summer job applications are available until May 23 from 7:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at Westfield High School and Westfield Vocational Technical High School. The application doesn’t guarantee you a summer job – there will be a lottery for youth selection.
YouthWorks is also a service of the Westfield Mayor’s Office and Commonwealth Corporation.
