|
|
|
Searching for a job can be tough at any age, but Hanover Township is actively working to help teens and young adults obtain jobs.
Hanover Township recently announced a partnership with Illinois workNet, an organization that partners with public and private entities, that will offer regular job searching workshops for those ages 16 to 21 with a high school diploma, a GED certificate or high school dropouts in need of job training and career development.
“We’re giving this population, who might not have the best work history, some confidence in soft skills, such as how to approach a supervisor with a concern or how to address a conflict in the workplace,” said Michael Cohen, township outreach and prevention manager. “The most important thing is getting them into the work force and sustaining a job.”
Eddie Perez, Illinois workNet Youth Advocate, will run the sessions hosted at Hanover Township. He said the program will focus on job placement assistance, job retention assistance, occupational training, career-driven resume writing and interviewing skills.
An orientation meeting was held on Thursday for those interested and Perez said one-on-one sessions can be scheduled with him for job search help.
“We’re looking to bridge the gap and help Hanover Township with reducing gang related activities,” he said. “It’s about helping individuals that do not have work experience compete in this economy by helping them maintain work experience.”
Perez added that those in the age group must qualify through the Work Force Investment Act, meet income guidelines and be an out-of-school youth.
Hanover Township marks the first township in the state to partner with workNet. Cohen said he is optimistic that the partnership will help those they wish to target and will continue in the future.
“No one person can do anything on their own, and partnering with anybody is valuable,” Cohen said. “We hope to take that hopelessness of not being able to find a job and start building some hope and start getting them trained so they’ll be a vital part of the workforce.”
Get involved
For more information or to participate, call Michael Cohen at (630) 483-5799.
Searching for a job can be tough at any age, but Hanover Township is actively working to help teens and young adults obtain jobs.
Hanover Township recently announced a partnership with Illinois workNet, an organization that partners with public and private entities, that will offer regular job searching workshops for those ages 16 to 21 with a high school diploma, a GED certificate or high school dropouts in need of job training and career development.
“We’re giving this population, who might not have the best work history, some confidence in soft skills, such as how to approach a supervisor with a concern or how to address a conflict in the workplace,” said Michael Cohen, township outreach and prevention manager. “The most important thing is getting them into the work force and sustaining a job.”
Eddie Perez, Illinois workNet Youth Advocate, will run the sessions hosted at Hanover Township. He said the program will focus on job placement assistance, job retention assistance, occupational training, career-driven resume writing and interviewing skills.
An orientation meeting was held on Thursday for those interested and Perez said one-on-one sessions can be scheduled with him for job search help.
“We’re looking to bridge the gap and help Hanover Township with reducing gang related activities,” he said. “It’s about helping individuals that do not have work experience compete in this economy by helping them maintain work experience.”
Perez added that those in the age group must qualify through the Work Force Investment Act, meet income guidelines and be an out-of-school youth.
Hanover Township marks the first township in the state to partner with workNet. Cohen said he is optimistic that the partnership will help those they wish to target and will continue in the future.
“No one person can do anything on their own, and partnering with anybody is valuable,” Cohen said. “We hope to take that hopelessness of not being able to find a job and start building some hope and start getting them trained so they’ll be a vital part of the workforce.”
Get involved
For more information or to participate, call Michael Cohen at (630) 483-5799.
