YouthWorks is Gaston County's Workforce Investment Act (WIA) Program for Youth. The program is a year-round, on-the-job training program for in-school and out-of-school youth. The program provides hands-on job training experiences which are designed to expose youth to the working world and to help them acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to obtain a job and advance in employment.
In addition to the job training portion of the program, participants will have basic education and remediation while developing their employability skills with opportunities to develop citizenship and interpersonal skills.
What is the Workforce Investment Act?
The Workforce Investment Act (WIA) is federal legislation that appropriates state funding allotments through regional Workforce Development Boards. The grant was received by the Gaston County Department of Human Services through the Gaston County Workforce Development Board.
How are youth referred to the program?
Youth are referred to the program through a variety of sources. These include agencies and groups such as the local school system, the juvenile justice system, JobLink, Social Services, and many more. Once a youth is referred, eligibility must be established to begin the program.
Who is eligible to participate in the program?
Youth ages 14 to 21
Youth that are determined to be of "low income" status as defined by WIA legislation
Youth who meet one or more of the following categories:
school dropout
homeless, runaway, or foster child
pregnant or parenting
offender
an individual (including a youth with a disability) who requires additional assistance to complete an educational program or to secure and hold employment.
What happens once a youth is accepted into the program?
Once the youth has been accepted in the program and placed in the job setting, an "adult mentor" is assigned to the youth. The mentor's job is to assist the youth with questions or concerns they may have as they begin to learn how to perform on their job assignments, as well as being a friend and advocate for the youth. The mentor will also act as a "job coach" providing support to the youth through on-site and off-site assistance, and modeling and reinforcing the appropriate behaviors and skills. The mentor will work closely with the youth and their employers to ensure that the youth employees are learning and performing their job as expected. Mentors will provide continued support and follow-up to all youth in the program.
How does the WIA program benefit business?
Provides partial salary reimbursement>
Presents an opportunity to train new employees
Provides job coaches and workplace mentors that promote positive work ethics
Effective recruitment tool
Who do I contact about YouthWorks?
Please contact Gaston YouthWorks offices at Gaston County Department of Human Services building at 704-862-7525 or email YWsiteadminasst@gastonyouthworks.com
You can also simply submit comments and questions on-line by clicking "Contact Us" link here and on the right side of this page.
Gaston County Department of Human Services Workforce Investment Act Division
