Paid Work Experience Offered for Somerset County Youth ages 16 to 24 Bookmark and Share

September 6, 2017

Ten-week program pairs successful candidates with a local employer for 20 hours a week at $9 per hour, and includes no-cost individualized education and/or mentoring.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 6, 2017

Contact: Peter Diplock, Skowhegan CareerCenter, 207-474-4950

Media Contact: Tim Sardano, Maine Department of Labor, 626-6232

SKOWHEGAN--Somerset County youth between the ages of 16 to 24 who are looking for a work or are interested in exploring careers may qualify for the 21st Century Workforce Initiative experience, offered through the Department of Health and Human Services in partnership with Lawrence and Skowhegan Adult Education Programs and the Skowhegan CareerCenter. Two information sessions are available on Monday, September 11, 10 a.m. to noon at Lawrence Adult Education, 4 School Street, Fairfield, and another from 3 to 5 p.m. at Skowhegan Adult Education, 61 Academy Circle, Skowhegan.

"We know that our economy needs workers, and we also know that the earlier we can connect young people to employment, the more successful they are in staying employed throughout their lifetimes," said Governor Paul R. LePage. "Our summer youth employment program in Central Maine accomplishes both these goals. Once again the Departments of Labor and Health and Human Services and Adult Education are collaborating to assist young people struggling to find a job or identify a career path this summer. I urge people under the age of 24 to visit one of the information sessions or contact the Skowhegan CareerCenter immediately. This is a win-win for our youth and our employers."

The 21st Century Workforce Initiative is a 10-week, paid work experience program. Successful candidates will work 20 hours per week with a local employer at $9 per hour after taking part in no-cost, individualized education and/or mentoring. Participants will be matched with local employers based on individual career interest assessment results. Eligible Somerset County youth between the ages of 16 to 24 may qualify if they are unemployed or underemployed and seeking a work experience, are out of high school with a diploma or HiSET, are parenting, or are homeless.

Successful candidates will be required to provide copies of work eligibility documents, such as birth certificate, driver?s license and social security card, have reliable transportation to their work-experience job site, and meet once weekly throughout the seven-week work schedule at the job site with the career adviser. Mileage reimbursement is available.

For more information contact Heidi Holst, Skowhegan CareerCenter, 474-4910.

CareerCenters, part of the Maine Department of Labor, offer a variety of services to help people find employment or upgrade skills. Each center provides several public-access computer workstations with Microsoft Office software, resume writing and cover letter software, Internet access and O?Net software for skills assessment. All CareerCenter services are free of charge.

The Skowhegan CareerCenter, located at 98 North Avenue, Suite 20, Skowhegan, is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. More information on CareerCenter services is available at www.mainecareercenter.gov .

Maine CareerCenters are an equal opportunity provider. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.

  • end -