Spring is here, which means it’s time for teens to start thinking about their summer jobs, and employers to start thinking about lining up staff to get through the busy summer season.
Warren County Department of Workforce Development’s Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) is gearing up for 2024, and program organizers have begun accepting applications from Warren County youth between the ages of 14 and 20 who would like to work.
The program, which is funded by federal grants, provides work experience and training to qualified youth to help them develop skills they need to succeed in the workforce. There are family income guidelines to be met by applicants in order for them to qualify for the program.
The youth who are hired are assigned to work at a variety of worksites -- including at non-profit organizations, private businesses and government worksites -- around Warren County for about 8 weeks starting in late June. Youth who are enrolled in the Summer Youth Employment Program for 2024 will earn $15 per hour.
Worksites for 2024 are being finalized, but in recent years participants have been placed with town highway departments, parks and recreation departments, school districts, campgrounds, farms, and a variety of private businesses. In addition to employment experience, participants are provided with employment counseling and educational materials to assist them with future efforts to obtain jobs.
Businesses that would like to host a worker or workers for the summer are being recruited, and businesses that are interested can fill out an interest form here.
Andrea Kinderman, Youth Counselor for Warren County Workforce Development, said: "The Summer Youth Employment Program is a great opportunity for youth to participate in meaningful work experience to better prepare them for a future in our workforce. In addition to the foundational employability skills that they gain, they also connect with positive adult role models, learn financial literacy, and explore career opportunities throughout Warren County.”
Warrensburg Supervisor Kevin Geraghty, Chairman of the Warren County Board of Supervisors and Warrensburg Town Supervisor, said: “The Town of Warrensburg has had great experiences with Summer Youth Employment Program workers over the years, helping us keep our summer recreation programs going. This program provides valuable work experience for our youth while also helping local businesses and organizations find staff to get through what is the busiest time of year around Warren County.”
Pre-applications for prospective workers are due by April 30, 2024 and online forms for pre-application can be found here. Those who have questions, or are interested in applying, can email kindermana@warrencountyny.gov or call 518-681-2532.
The grant funding for Summer Youth Employment Program is administered by the NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance and overseen by Warren County Department of Workforce Development. Learn more about what the agency does here: https://thejoblink.org/youth/.