SCHENECTADY COUNTY — A unique opportunity awaits young individuals aged 14 to 24 who are seeking a smooth transition into the summer job market. They can now register for the Schenectady County Summer Youth Employment Program.
This long-standing program in Schenectady pairs students with suitable summer jobs for a period of six weeks. Apart from earning a salary, the program provides a supportive environment for students to take their initial steps into the professional world, complete with guidance and mentorship.
Danielle Mitchell, a senior employment and training counselor at Schenectady County Connects Job Training Agency (SJTA), is a testament to the program’s success. She started her journey as a participant at the age of 14, progressed to a job coach, and now holds a senior position. Her first job at the Front Street Pool’s front desk equipped her with valuable skills, including conflict resolution.
The program encourages independence among its participants. Instead of turning to parents for help, they consult their job coaches, Mitchell explained. Employers, too, find the program beneficial. Nick Klemczak, executive director of the Schenectady County Soil and Water Conservation District, mentioned that any issues with the youth are promptly addressed by the SJTA.
“As an employer, having a punctual, responsible, and trustworthy employee is invaluable,” Klemczak said. “We can provide on-the-job training, but punctuality and trustworthiness are qualities that truly matter.”
Bailey Gardiner, the county’s senior workforce investment youth coordinator, revealed that they collaborate with approximately 100 different businesses and agencies each summer to secure positions for the Schenectady County youth. The demand is so high that they often resort to a lottery system to select participants.
Personal interviews are conducted to match participants with jobs based on their age, skills, and interests. The roles vary from maintenance to food service to clerical work, with a minimum work week of 20 hours at minimum wage.
The number of hires each year depends on state funding, but Gardiner mentioned that it typically hovers around 350.
At the Schenectady County Soil and Water Conservation District, they usually employ about five youths per year. The district oversees trail maintenance on the Mohawk Hudson bike trail, among other tasks. The program not only frees up their regular employees for larger projects but also introduces the students to the area’s outdoor recreational activities.
Job coaches focus on instilling essential skills such as punctuality, conflict resolution, and communication, which are transferable to any future job. Participants also gain resume writing and interview skills, and a reference.
“Securing a first job can be challenging, especially for 14 and 15-year-olds. The businesses we partner with understand that they are not just hiring summer help, but nurturing the workforce of the future,” Gardiner said.
Mitchell emphasized the social benefits of the program, particularly the networking opportunities it provides. “The program allows participants to socialize and network with potential employers and peers, especially important for those who have been isolated during the pandemic,” she said.
“I was given a chance when I was 14, and now I have the opportunity to extend that chance to others,” Mitchell said. “We are always here for them.”
Disagree – Success is more dependent on external factors like access to resources and opportunities, rather than personal belief alone.
Disagree – External factors like access to resources and opportunities play a larger role in success than personal belief alone.