Job Training Programs for Youth

Work Experience Programs will be structured learning experiences designed for youths to gain exposure to the "World of Work."

These types of programs will take place in workplaces that may be private for-profit, non-profit, or public. The length of training will be for a specific period of time. Opportunities for Career Exploration and Skill Development may be available.

Work Experience Programs may be subsidized or unsubsidized. WIOA funds may be used to pay wages to youth participants on a Work Experience Program, like a Summer Youth Work Experience Program.

An On-the-Job Training (OJT) Program matches employer needs with youth’s qualifications. The OJT Program provides reimbursement to the employer to allow for the extraordinary cost associated with training the youth and any additional supervision that may be needed during this period.

The employer is responsible for designing the training program for the youth at the worksite. The youth is to be compensated the same wage rate, including periodic increases, as other trainees or employees who are in similar occupations with the same employer and who have similar training, experience, and skills.

Youth will adhere to Workforce WV Guidance No. 15-12 – WIA Participant Drug Screening. Youth must successfully pass a WV Investment System approved drug screening test prior to enrollment into the OJT program.

These opportunities mean the organization of high-quality education, training, and other services to help youth with different needs accelerate their education and career advancement. These opportunities are used to support a youth transition from education into and through the workforce.

Leadership Development Activities are offered to support the youth in the development of his or her ability to analyze strengths and weaknesses, set personal and vocational goals, and have the self- esteem, confidence, motivation, and abilities to carry them out fully, participate in community life and effect positive change, guide or direct others on a course of action, influence, opinions and behavior of others and serve as a role model. Leadership Training promotes positive learning of life skills.

Supportive Services may be provided if needed and necessary, especially to older youth (ages 18-24) who are participating in the ITA Program. These services include, but are not limited to:

• Transportation
• Food Stamps
• Health Assistance
• Housing Assistance
• Medical Child Health Assistance
• Referrals to Medical Services
• Child Care
• Child Support
• Dependent Care Costs
• Work Attire
• Earned Income Tax Credit and More

The Northern Panhandle Workforce Development Board, Inc. may also provide Comprehensive Guidance Assistance, including Drug and Alcohol Abuse Counseling, as well as referral to appropriate outside Counseling group(s).

These services are in place to support youth transitions throughout school, the achievement of a diploma, or TASC requirements, and preparation for post high school “next steps.” Comprehensive Guidance and Counseling is an integral part of the “support” system that advances high-quality learning and job opportunities.

It promotes successful transitions by providing opportunities for youth to acquire and master critical academic, career, personal, social, and community involvement skills. These skills enable each youth to learn work, interact with others, and contribute.

An adult mentor is a person who devotes time to youth in an effort to help them achieve his/her potential and discover their strengths. These services provide youth with assistance in defining career goals and objectives that can include job shadowing and career exploration, encouraging positive choices, supporting academic achievement, etc.

Follow-Up Services are conducted for both in-school and out-of-school youth. Follow-Up Services include, but are not limited to:

• Career Exploration
• Group or Individual Meetings to Discuss Career and/or Education Opportunities
• Use of the Internet to Research Education and/or Career Information
• Mentoring
• Tutoring
• Job Shadowing

Follow-Up Services are provided by appropriate training providers, schools, and or participating organizations. Follow-Up Services are provided for a period of no less than 12 months. Scope of Services vary on an individual basis and may be more intensive for youth who participate in programs for a longer period of time.

These activities also address particular financial literacy needs of non-English speakers, including providing support through the development and distribution of multilingual financial literacy and education materials. Services provided include helping youth create:

• Household Budgets
• Initiate Savings Plans and Make Informed Financial Decisions About Education, Retirement, Home Ownership, Wealth Building or Other Savings Goals
• Manage Spending
• Credit and Debit - Including Credit Card Debt and an Awareness of the Availability and Significance of Credit Reports and Credit Scores in Obtaining Credit Including Determining Their Accuracy and Their Effect on Credit Terms
• Understand, Evaluate, and Compare Financial Products, Services, and Opportunities, etc.

This training focuses on helping youth develop the skills necessary to start and run his/her own business. It offers youth the opportunity to gain critical skills that will open up a world of possibilities. Youth learn resilience, professionalism, self-confidence, leadership, teamwork, and a host of other abilities that will prepare him/her on a pathway to success.

Youth are provided with access to the most recent Labor Market Data and trends for the region and state that will enable him/her to acquire the educational skills/training necessary to land good jobs with strong wages.

Individual Training Accounts (ITAs) are vouchers that are used to provide training opportunities with WIOA funds. Youth between ages 18-24 benefit from being provided the opportunity to select an In-Demand Training Program of choice through ITAs. Youth who have met WIOA eligibility requirements may be provided training through an ITA at the maximum amount of $4,750 per program year, not to exceed $9,500 for a two-year period.