DOL’s YOUTH ACTIVITIES ARE NOT JUST FOR THE SUMMER
(July 09, 2010)
~ Helping the Youths of Today, Become Productive Citizens of Tomorrow~
Labor Commissioner Albert Bryan Jr. said Friday that V.I. Department of Labor has been successful in offering a wide array of program for youths, ages 14 – 25, aiding in the their preparation for the workforce. Over the past two months, the department has accepted hundreds of applications and would like to inform youth participants and the public that work opportunities are available throughout the entire year and not just for the summer.
“Providing our youth with training and educational opportunities is a major priority of my administration,” said Governor John P. de Jongh, Jr. “Our future rests with our youth. The Department of Labor has lined up many great youth programs with a focus on training our future workforce. I encourage the territory’s youth to take a close look at the programs and contact the department with any questions.”
Territory-wide, the department has placed over 370 youths this summer, and plans to place another 160 participants within the coming week. The department has maxed out on its budgeted allotment for the summer; however “out of school youth”, between the ages of 18-21 can continue to receive services and paid work opportunities. The department will continue to monitor the success of participants throughout the year.
The department’s programs include Life Skills and Career Exploration opportunities for 14-15 year olds. This program offers guidance on punctuality, telephone etiquette, communication skills, teamwork, and job shadowing in the field and in a classroom setting. Customized Work Experience offers a solid work experience for individuals who have expressed an interest in a particular field. This program is targeted to individuals 16 years and older. Pre-Apprenticeship Program is an “introduction to” type work experience that offers ground level basics that is the foundation for a long-term training or apprenticeship in any number of career paths. This program is open to those 16 years and older who are out of school and may or may not have attained a high school credential. The Mentoring Program is an activity that can occur as part of a planned program or as a stand-alone project. It is needed for all youth (14-25) on different levels of the career ladder. Mentors help young adults develop positive social behavior, strong work ethic, and self esteem.
Labor Investing in Tomorrow (LIFT) is geared towards 3rd and 4th year college students in which they are provided a summer internship. A highly competitive selection process is used for the selection of participants. Junior or senior level college students ages 18 – 25 that have completed at least three years of college (60 credit hours) and a 2.8 GPA or higher are encouraged to apply. All participants for this program are currently placed and the new application cycle begins in December 2010 for next year’s program. Some of this year’s participants have been placed at the following locations: VI National Guard, CBS-TV2, Office of the Delegate to Congress, Corner Stone Printing, University of the Virgin Islands, Schneider Regional Medical Center, Juan Luis Hospital, and VI Waste Management Authority.
YOUTHNET is an inter-agency, virtual, one-stop continuum of services aimed at increasing levels of self-sufficiency for at risk youth ages 16-24. Its mission is “to establish a “NETwork” of agencies that recaptures, counsels, mentors, educate, trains, rehabilitates and transitions youth into self sufficient members of society.” YOUTHNET will create a safety “Net” so to speak, if they fall from the system and dropout of school or are otherwise displaced. It will focus on our neediest youth—our high school dropouts. This program can be accessed by logging on to http://www.youthnetvi.org
The JAG-VI program teaches performance competencies which are needed in order for our students to: succeed in school, thrive in the workplace, and lead productive and fulfilling lives. Our vision is to lead every JAG-VI student to graduation, post-secondary education, a successful career, and life-long learning. JAG-VI is one of 33 state and territory affiliates of the National JAG Organization. JAG is successful because it provides a comprehensive school-to-career program for high school students who are struggling in the tradition education system.
In addition, the VI Workforce Investment Board’s - VI Youth Council has awarded one–time mini-grants of $4,500 to the following youth providers to offer Life Skills and Career Exploration opportunities to 14-15 year olds: On St. Thomas - Technology Center of the Virgin Islands, JSW Outreach, Inc., Images by Design, Pistarkle Theater, Inc., VI Institute for Agricultural Development. On St. Croix – Worldwide of the Caribbean, Work Able Inc., Setorie de Santa Cruz, VI Autism Network, Penntium Electronics & Technical Training, LLC, Magras Consulting Services, Crucian Heritage and Nature Tourism, Inc. (CHANT), Women’s Coalition of St. Croix, and Helping Children Work.
The availability of these departmental offerings are linked to the deJongh/Francis administration continued assurance to providing the territory’s youth with opportunities to become the next viable workforce.
For more information on any of our offerings please contact, on St. Croix, Deborah Johnson (340) 778-0429 and on St. Thomas, Shenika Sebastien at (340) 776-3700 or visit our website at www.vidol.gov
