Summer youth employment available for ages 16-24

Pinal County’s Workforce Investment Act (WIA) summer employment program is looking for youth ages 16 to 24.

This program is run under the direction of the Central Arizona Association of Government (CAAG) and provides job training to economically disadvantaged adults and youth, while providing employers with a workforce trained through community colleges, vocational institutions, on-the-job training (OJT) and work experience.

Key elements to the WIA program summer youth program are work readiness classes with an incentive paid for attendance, as well as college credit earned, youth job clubs and Youth Day with speakers, prizes and food.

Those enrolled in work experience training, June 1 through July 29, will earn a rate of $7.50 per hour for 32 hours per workweek. The training will cover an eight to 12-week period, depending on the participant’s age and school status.

Eligible participants have the opportunity to enhance their employability to compete for the jobs of the 21st century while meeting the current needs of the local labor market.

In 1998 the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) was signed into law. It was implemented in Arizona on July 1, 2000. WIA replaced the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) and was designed to bring better employment service to a broader population.

Services, offered to adults and youth who are economically disadvantaged, include:

· Testing and assessment
· Basic skills education
· Career development
· Community college linkage
· GED pre-testing and preparation
· Job development and job search
· Monthly Job Club meetings
· On-the-job training
· Life skills
· Referrals to linkage agencies
· Support services

For additional information on the program, call the WIA Casa Grande office at 800-782-1445 or email [email protected].

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