MIDDLEBURY — VT YouthWorks is currently recruiting and registering youth ages 18-24 for the spring session of its workforce development program for Addison County area youth centered around Entrepreneurial Carpentry. This 12-week, paid, part-time program is for youth interested in building skills to land and sustain a well paying job. Applications are being accepted now for the spring session, which begins Feb. 25.
VT YouthWorks helps youth build new connections in their community, explore a variety of career options and develop the interpersonal skills and confidence to move forward in their chosen direction.
The goals of the VT YouthWorks program are as follows:
•  Facilitate the entrance of underemployed, out of school 18-24 year old youth into the workforce or secondary/post secondary education
•  Create the conditions for youth to develop employment/interpersonal skills and self confidence through an entrepreneurial carpentry program, career exploration, internships and community mentorships.
•  Build sustainable connections and partnerships among employers, support services and Addison County 18-24 year olds that serve to meet local employment needs
Students who participate in the program must be 18-24 years old, entering with or without a HS Diploma. Eligible students can earn up to $2,080 over the course of the 12 weeks. The program runs in two progressive modules: a four-week career introduction followed by eight weeks of career exploration. The sessions are held at Hannaford Career Center in Middlebury.
Student receive technical training in carpentry skills, including hand and power tools, product design, small-business development and production experience.
Industry certificates earned by all participants include forklift, food handler, first aid, CPR and NCCER hand and power tools.
To schedule an appointment to begin the application process or to learn additional information, call (802) 388-4392 or contact VT YouthWorks Program Coordinator Kristen Andrews at [email protected].