State kicks off summer jobs program for teens

At a kick-off breakfast meeting Thursday for the Yes-2-Work Summer Jobs Program, Gov. Donald L. Carcieri spoke about the importance of private sector support in training the state’s future work force. Carcieri and the Governor’s Workforce Board – Rhode Island hosted the breakfast for more than 30 of the state’s top employers as well as members of local chambers of commerce.

This is the first year of the Yes-2-Work Summer Jobs Program, which is modeled after programs in Boston, New York City and at Lifespan. The goal of the program is to recruit young people ages 16 to 19 to work with employers, who provide them with training and mentoring opportunities.

“Business leaders are uniquely qualified to motivate young people about their particular industries and the education and skill sets that are required to succeed in those fields,” Carcieri said. “The Yes-2-Work Summer Jobs Program can play a role in matching our young people with employers to enhance their learning and create our future work force.”

Workforce Board Chairman and Citizens Bank of Rhode Island President Joseph MarcAurele said the program provides benefits to both employers and teenagers. “This private-sector led summer employment program responds to corporate concerns about the skills of the future work force,” he said.

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“You deliver the jobs – we’ll deliver the kids,” said R.I. Department of Labor and Training Director Adelita S. Orefice. “These teens will return to school next fall understanding what skills they’ll need to succeed in their chosen field and that they don’t have to leave Rhode Island to find a challenging career.”

Employers who may be interested in participating in the Yes-2-Work Summer Jobs Program can contact Dottie Miller at (401) 462-8727 or through e-mail at
dmiller@dlt.state.ri.us.

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