Workforce Alliance Anticipates Summer Youth Employment Program

Follow-up to successful 2009 Summer Youth Employment and Training Program

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., April 9 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Workforce Alliance anticipates the likelihood of a 2010 Summer Jobs Program for Palm Beach County, based on the U.S. House Representatives' recent passage of the Disaster Relief and Summer Jobs Act of 2010.  The bill, which proposes the funding of summer jobs for youth in a program scheduled to end on September 30, 2010, was passed by the House on March 24 and is anticipated to be passed by the Senate.

Kathryn Schmidt, President and Chief Executive Officer of Workforce Alliance, said, "Last year, Workforce Alliance managed the federal program that funded the summer employment of over 1,000 youth and young adults aged 18 to 24 at employer sites in Palm Beach County for a six week period.  The program funded the wages and introductory work readiness training, and local companies and municipalities provided the jobs and the supervision.  Many of the jobs became permanent positions at the conclusion of the program."

Ms. Schmidt added, "We are making the announcement at this time regarding the 2010 program to make Palm Beach County employers aware of the strong likelihood of a similar youth and young adult employment program in the coming months so that they can make appropriate plans to participate.  We received a great number of compliments from both employers and participating young adults at the conclusion of last year's program."

There was no cost for the participating companies in the 2009 program since the federal grant, obtained by Workforce Alliance, provided sufficient funds to cover Workers' Compensation costs as well as the wages. Businesses, municipalities and other potential employer partners wishing to participate applied online at the Workforce Alliance website, www.pbcalliance.com, by submitting an employer job order form and job description.

Youth and young adults also applied for the program at the Workforce Alliance web site, and it is anticipated that a similar registration will be in place for the 2010 program.

The 2009 program had staggered start dates beginning in mid-June and concluded in August for some of the participants and early September for others.  Workforce Alliance conducted a three-day orientation at the beginning of the program that included work readiness training.  After successfully completing the training, the participants were assigned to individual work sites and job positions with the employers.  Many of the employers then conducted additional on-site training.

Workforce Alliance is the organization chartered by the State of Florida to create, develop and retain a quality workforce system in Palm Beach County.  It operates three Career Centers and two Professional Placement Centers and offers professional services to all employers and job seekers in the County.   The Career Centers and Professional Placement Network offices are located in Belle Glade, Boynton Beach, West Palm Beach and Boca Raton.  The addresses and phone numbers are listed on the website, www.pbcalliance.com.

SOURCE Workforce Alliance