LITTLETON – Finding a job can be difficult and finding a rewarding career can feel like an impossibility, especially for young adults. Luckily, Arapahoe/Douglas Works! is here to help young job seekers.
The Arapahoe/Douglas Works! Workforce Center is offering qualifying young adults the opportunity to gain hands on experience through a variety of young adult academies. The academies offer real work experience and leadership training in competitive industries like construction, hospitality and healthcare.
All participants must qualify for the Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act to enroll for the young adult academies. To qualify for WIOA, young adults must be between the ages of 16 – 24, out-of-school and have a barrier to education or employment. Barriers could include pregnancy or parenting, low income, justice involvement, disability and more. Young adults can get qualified for WIOA by calling 303-636-1260 or attending an informational session 2 p.m., Tuesday May 10, 17 or 24, at the Workforce Centers in Centennial and Aurora.
Young Adult Academies include:
• Future Tank: Two-week leadership academy, June 5 – 17. Young adults ages 18 – 24 will create marketing and outreach strategies to engage other young adults in services offered by A/D Works!. Academy participants will compete in a “Shark Tank” style competition and the winner will be eligible to receive $250 and have the chance at a paid work experience with a local company.
• Construction Academy: Four-week boot camp, June 6 – July 1. Young adults over age 17 will learn specialty trades like demolition, siding and concrete and be prepared for immediate employment with Colorado Construction Institute’s industry partners. Participants will earn a $250 stipend, OHSA 10 certification, starter tool kit and referrals upon completion.
• Healthcare Academy: Three-week pre-apprenticeship program, June 20 – July 8. Young adults interested in a career in healthcare will earn certifications in CPR, BLS, HIPAA, Bloodborne Pathogens and more, tour schools, meet professionals and receive individualized coaching. Participatns will earn a $250 incentive for completing the program.
• Hospitality Academy: Four-week program, including two weeks of classroom training June 2 – 23 and two weeks of hands on experience. Young adults ages 18 – 24 will explore different pathways with the hospitality industry and receive Restaurant TRAC Server, Guest Service Gold and ServSafe certifications. Participants will earn $250 for passing all tests and complete a paid work experience at a hotel.
Work experience opportunities are also available for young adults interested in different industries. The work experience program pairs young adults up with a local business to work in a real job setting and earn a paycheck, while being mentored by professionals.
Qualified young adults can apply for the academy of their choice online at https://fs8.formsite.com/adworks/FutureU/index.html or in person at one of the informational sessions.
Applications are due for the Hospitality Academy May 24 and for the remaining programs May 31.
The Arapahoe/Douglas Works! Regional Workforce Center is located at 6974 S. Lima St., Centennial 80112. Workforce Centers also are located in Littleton, Aurora and Castle Rock. For more information on Arapahoe/Douglas Works! and their young adult program Future U, call 303-636-1260, visit the A/D Works! website at www.adworks.org or email .