The city and county of Los Angeles expect to provide up to 20,000 jobs for low-income youth by summer’s end through its HIRE L.A.’s Youth program, which kicked off this month.
“HIRE L.A.’s Youth transforms lives, connecting some of our most vulnerable young Angelenos to skills training, work experience, and first-time paychecks that put them on a path to success, benefiting our families, our communities, and our city’s economy as a whole,” said Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti in a statement.
The goal for the 2015 program is to introduce young people, ages 14 to 24, to high-growth and high-wage employment sectors such as transportation, healthcare, hospitality, logistics, and financial services.
The jobs are open to homeless youth, foster youth as well as young people in CalWorks families or in those who receive Temporary Aid to Needy Families.
Youth in the program may work up to 120 hours through Sept. 30 and up to 300 hours during the entire year.
To participate in the program, young people must obtain a work permit. They will also receive 20 hours of paid pre-employment training that includes tips on how to dress, how to interact with colleagues and additional job etiquette skills. Participants will be introduced to various career options and will receive financial education lessons on how to open a bank account or create a budget.
Ideally, the goal is to match students with fields that connect to their interests. This may mean youth end up working for nonprofits, government agencies or businesses.
“Our young people were the hardest hit in the recession and jobs available to them have been the slowest to recover,” stated Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe. “An opportunity is all these kids need—a chance to show their skills and to work hard.”
Youngsters who live in the city of Los Angeles may sign up online at www.hirelayouth.com. Those living in other cities or unincorporated areas of L.A. County may sign up at the website www.summeryouthjobs@css.lacounty.gov. They may also visit county libraries or parks and use the free computers there to enroll online.
Business owners interested in hiring or sponsoring a youth may visit the city or county websites.
