Work experiences are both paid and unpaid opportunities to work and practice career readiness skills. When work experiences are a part of a supervised program sponsored by an education or training organization that links knowledge gained at the worksite with a planned program of study, they are referred to as work-based learning opportunities.
Work experiences are a critical component of preparing youth for transition to adulthood. Potential benefits for youth who participate in work experiences include: 1) gaining career readiness skills including the “soft skills” that employers look for in entry level workers; 2) increasing one’s knowledge of specific occupational skills and workplace settings; 3) establishing a work history and connections with employers that can aid in future job searches; and 4) developing an understanding of different occupations in order to make informed career choices. In addition, research studies suggest that work-based learning may increase school attendance, decrease dropout rates, reduce school suspensions, and increase school engagement (Medrich, Calderon, & Hoachlander, 2002. One study found students who participated in work-based learning were more likely to attend college or go to work compared to their peers (Jobs for the Future, 2007).
Work experiences can take various forms including internships, summer jobs, youth-run businesses/entrepreneurship, service projects and volunteer work, and part-time jobs. While some work experiences lead to permanent, competitive employment, even short-term work experiences can be valuable as a way for young people to develop skills, contacts, and awareness about career options.
Durham youth, ages 14 to 24, and their parents are invited to register now for the 2015 Durham YouthWork Summit − Passport to Your Future, a free event designed to help youth explore and learn about various careers, community resources, and educational opportunities. Youth will be able to participate in workshops to prepare for applying for jobs and internships. Workshop topics include: Stepping Stones to a Résumé, Setting Your Course for the Right Career, and the Dos and Don’ts of Applying for Jobs. Participants will also hear from other youth on how they navigated the world of internships and careers, and have a chance interact with community organizations at the Resource Fair. Youth can also win prizes, including gift cards and an iPod Mini.
The Summit is from 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Holton Career and Resource Center located at 401 North Driver Street, Durham, NC 27703. This is an opportunity for youth ages 14 and older and their parents to come learn about the 2016 YouthWork Internship Program and the application process.
The recruitment period begins the 2nd week of February each year. Employment opportunities are not on a first-come, first-serve basis. An application process is conducted and the best qualified candidates are referred.
Durham YouthWork Internship Program participants have worked with various City departments including:
- Economic and Workforce Development
- General Services
- Human Resources
- Neighborhood Improvement Services
- Parks and Recreation
- Public Works
- Solid Waste Management
- The Stormwater Services Division of Public Works
Positions outside of the City of Durham are also available through partnerships with:
- The Durham Bulls
- Durham County Criminal Justice Center
- Durham County Schools
- Durham Technical Community College
- General Services
- Human Resources
- North Carolina Central University
- Tax Office