Stimulus funds
will fund youth jobs in Watauga, Wilkes
By Scott Nicholson
Teenagers, young adults and employers may benefit from
a program funded by the recently passed federal economic-stimulus
package.
About 100 temporary jobs in Watauga and Wilkes counties will be
created this summer for those aged 16 to 24 as part of the American
Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
Teri Carter, who is administering the Get REAL Youth Services
program for the two counties, said the plan is still being developed,
but will ultimately place youth in summer jobs while building
career-readiness skills.
The program is targeted towards those whose family income falls
below the federal poverty level and who may face barriers to employment.
The program also includes a training component.
“We’re supposed to be getting some stimulus money to
set up some training opportunities,” Carter said. “We’ll
put them to work and pay them for whatever jobs they do.”
The program starts in June, and employers get free help that’s
subsidized through the Workforce Development Act via the JobLink
Center in Watauga County. North Carolina is receiving $6.1 billion
through the stimulus plan, with $25 million set aside for youth
jobs.
Carter said the program’s details are still in development
but she’s starting a list for contact information.
“We’re taking names and phone numbers, and we’ll
have the actual criteria soon,” she said.
Businesses or non-profit organizations can apply to hire the employees,
with all wages paid by the program. Young people get the opportunity
to earn marketable job skills and work sites gain temporary workers,
Carter said.
Placement positions may include work such as clerical, grounds
maintenance, and customer service jobs. Workers will participate
in workshops that focus on job readiness skills and career awareness.
They will also prepare for the Career Readiness Certification.
Anyone interested in participating in the Get REAL summer work
program should contact Teri Carter at the Wilkes County JobLink
Career Center at (336) 651-2540.
Employers or non-profit organizations interested in hosting a
summer work site should contact Misty Bishop-Price with the High
Country Workforce Development Board at (828) 265-5434.
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