WORK READY PROGRAm
Application Deadline: September 30, 2023
Atlanta GLOW's workforce development and education program is a comprehensive youth employment initiative serving in-and out-of-school youth, ages 16-25, who face barriers to education, training, and employment. Our program will help participants overcome barriers to employment and make the connection between education and work. Youth will participate in 4 weeks of paid, entry-level work readiness and soft skills training, 8 weeks of paid, seasonal on-the-job training paired with up to 6 months of career mentoring, credentialing and post-program job placement assistance.
Program Eligibility
Please visit our Program Eligibility page for the criteria required for participation in Atlanta GLOW's programs. Additionally, this program has a minimum age requirement of 16 years.
Download Parental Consent Form - English
Download Parental Consent Form - Espanol
Program Dates
Phase I of the program will be hosted from October 10 – November 4, virtually from on Tuesdays (4:00 pm - 6:00 pm) and in person on Saturdays (11 am - 1:00 pm) for a total of 4 hours of weekly youth engagement over the 4-week program (16 hours total). Youth must successfully complete Phase I of the program in order to progress to Phase II.
Following Phase I, youth will be provided the opportunity to work up to 10 hours a week for up to 8 weeks of part-time seasonal employment. Phase II of the program will be hosted from November 14 – January 13 virtually on Tuesdays (4:00 pm - 6:00 pm) and in person on Saturdays (10 am - 2:00 pm), with a flexible schedule of up to an additional 4 hours of remote work for a total of 10 hours of weekly youth engagement over the 8-week program (80 hours total).
Work Readiness and Soft Skills Training (Phase I)
Participating youth will initially receive 4 weeks of basic job skills training utilizing the Skills to Pay the Bills: Mastering Soft Skills for Workplace Success curriculum, a program developed by the US Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy that focuses on teaching “soft” or workforce readiness skills to youth, including youth with disabilities. The basic structure of the program is comprised of modular, hands-on, engaging activities that focus on six key skill areas: communication, enthusiasm and attitude, teamwork, networking, problem solving and critical thinking, and professionalism.
Paid, On-the-Job (OTJ) Training (Phase II)
To facilitate career exploration, Atlanta GLOW partners with local businesses and organizations that have an interest in facilitating mentorship and training opportunities via weekly industry spotlights in a variety of high-demand fields such as healthcare, technology, hospitality, public service, construction, business, manufacturing, logistics and more. Atlanta GLOW will serve as the employer of record, providing core instruction and credentialing opportunities, performing site supervision and paying wages for youth participants while industry experts will support mentoring, job shadowing and supplemental training. Youth will have the opportunity to work in one or more of the following entry-level fields during their enrollment in OTJ training: marketing, merchandising/purchasing, office/business administration, program coordination, research, and/or technology. Each OTJ training and employment experience is structured to promote the development of skills that can be transferred to a variety of high-demand industries.
Credentialing
Partnerships with Metrix Learning and CareerCircle allow us to leverage various upskilling and credentialing opportunities as a major component of getting youth career ready in a variety of industries in tandem with the OJT they’ll be receiving. Youth will be able to earn OSHA, ANAB, Microsoft and Google-backed certifications in areas such as construction and workplace safety, food handling/safety, project management, digital marketing, data analytics, IT support, e-commerce, and UX design.
Program Location
The weekly Tuesday sessions of our program are hosted virtually via Zoom. The weekly Saturday sessions are hosted in person at our Mentoring Cafe in Marietta.
Program Format
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4 Weeks of Job Training (2 Sessions/Week)
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8 Weeks of Part-Time Seasonal Employment (10 Hours/Week)
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Limited transportation assistance and complimentary refreshments will be provided for all in-person sessions.
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The required technology, training and work-related supplies will be provided for all on-site activities.
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Youth will receive ongoing career mentoring and job placement assistance as they complete their training and credentialing.
Participants who successfully complete Phase I of the 4-week program will have the opportunity to earn up to $300 in Earn and Learn cash incentives upon program completion. Participants in Phase II will be provided the opportunity to work seasonal, part-time employment up to 10 hours a week for up to 8 weeks, earning up to $12 an hour.
Onboarding Process
Upon receipt of a program application, we require applicants to attend a virtual orientation and complete a 30-minute MBTI Careers assessment. Both steps are required in order to be admitted to the program.