Employers Play a Role in Career Learning

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Young people are curious about the world of work, but many do not have an opportunity to experience working in a high-paying industry during high school. There are several ways that employers can help to demystify that world and allow students to build their skills and confidence. 

When employers engage, students learn about the local employment landscape and can see themselves in careers they might not have known about. Employers can share what it takes to be a successful employee, help students explore their interests, sharpen their skills and build relationships that can help propel them into the next phase of life. 

Fortunately, YouthForce NOLA (YouthForce) offers several programs during which employers and young people can connect. These connections not only help young people, but employers as well.

Employer host recruitment is underway for the 2023 YouthForce Internship (YFI) program, scheduled May 31-July 28. The program has two distinct phases: soft skills and work-readiness training provided by YouthForce (May 31- June 22) and internships provided by local businesses (June 26-July 28). Interns will be matched with an employer based on preference and preparedness. Each intern will have an opportunity to earn up to $1,800 in YouthForce-paid stipends, and will have a coach to provide guidance and support throughout the program.

“Internships allow students to  continue developing their technical and soft skills in a welcoming environment,” said Sarah Bell, Director of Employer Partnerships at YouthForce.  “An internship experience also helps students test and verify their interests before making consequential – and potentially expensive –  post-high school decisions.” 

YFI employer hosts are asked to commit to:

  • Creating a welcoming and supportive environment for interns

  • Being engaging and accessible to young people 

  • Providing two staff members to act as internship supervisors 

  • Four to six hours of pre-work prior to internship 

  • Five weeks of internship supervision, which includes regular check-ins and providing feedback on the interns’ work 

In return, employers will:

  • Build the city’s future workforce

  • Get an eager intern who is ready to learn, grow and be helpful

  • Gain youthful energy and perspective 

  • Network with other values-aligned companies

  • Provide a management opportunity for junior staff

YouthForce also provides group and individualized assistance in building an age/skill-appropriate work plan and networking opportunities to help employers prepare to host an intern. 

For employers not quite ready to host an intern, there are other opportunities to get involved:

  • YouthForce NOLA + Junior Achievement Career Expo, March 7, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Lakefront Arena (one day commitment) >>REGISTER HERE

  • Ongoing guest speaking opportunities at local high schools and hosting groups of students at your workplace (one to three hour commitment) 

  • Host an educator extern during spring break and/or summer (one week commitment)

“Employers can help provide career training opportunities for students by being ready to engage when we request their time and talent,” Bell added. “They also can diversify their recruitment process by expanding hiring pipelines to incorporate recent high school graduates. Finally, they can review hiring requirements to ensure that industry-based credentials are a preferred qualification where appropriate.”

The deadline to sign up as a YFI employer host is March 3. Email employers@youthforcenola.org to learn more.

YouthForceNOLA