Preparing Young People For The Workforce

Preparing Young People for the World of Work

Where we work, how we work, and what it takes to be happy and successful at work has changed dramatically over the last few decades. To prosper in today’s world of work, young people need support in building technical and soft skills and getting meaningful work experience.

Our programs help youth and young adults throughout Sonoma County gain the knowledge, training, work experience, and support to reach their employment and education goals.

Our Youth Employment Programs

Here at Sonoma County Job Link, we have two different programs to help support and educate young people about what’s required to succeed in the workforce.

The My Pathway Program provides individualized services that include career pathway advice, exploration, and preparation activities for youth ages 14-24. The Sonoma County Youth Ecology Corps is a short-term employment opportunity, workforce training, and ecosystem education program for youth and young adults ages 18-24.

Career Preparation for Youth

Moving from student to employee is a big shift for young people and involves new responsibilities. It’s been proven that youth and young adults who participate in career preparation activities are better prepared to transition into the workforce.

Career readiness activities that help young people explore, experience, and think about their future lead to lower unemployment rates, higher wages, and greater job satisfaction as adults. Indeed, having a job as a youth or young adult predicts long-term work success. 

The My Pathway Program (MPP) provides this type of guidance and experience to youth and young adults ages 16 to 24. With a mixture of education, training, and work experience, MPP helps young people build the necessary skills to gain and retain employment in their chosen career pathway.

Assistance with education and employment services includes:

• Tutoring, study skills, and dropout prevention
• Alternative school options
• Work readiness training and job skills training
• Paid work experience and internships
• Career pathway planning
• Adult mentoring, guidance, and counseling
• Other supportive services

Through conversations, workplace visits, application and interview skills, and paid work opportunities, we help equip young people with everything they need to succeed.