The Westmoreland-Fayette Workforce Investment Board and the Private Industry Council are currently seeking eligible youth between the ages of 16 and 24 to participate in a Summer Work Experience Program.  The Summer Youth Employment Program is federally funded, and offers opportunities for municipalities and other qualifying nonprofit organizations to obtain young workers for their areas.  The work experience program will also benefit young workers who may be having difficulty finding local positions due to the current economic downturn. Participants will earn a competitive wage over the summer and gain work experience that can be used on future résumés.  “The new funding will allow us to provide young people with basic workplace skills to enhance their future careers,” said William Thompson, Executive Director of the Westmoreland-Fayette Workforce Investment Board.

                The program will also assist local communities by providing them with additional staffing for projects.  Various municipalities in both Fayette and Westmoreland Counties participated in last year’s Summer Work Experience Program and are eager to participate again this summer.  Some municipalities hope to complete projects they’ve put off due to lack of funding, while others are interested in finding people to do basic summer maintenance jobs.   

                All local School Districts have also been invited to participate as worksites, specifically focusing on employing the younger youth (16-18).  The schools can use youth to complete specific projects, either for the district or the community.  Youth can also be helpful in a variety of maintenance and clerical positions at school buildings throughout the district. 

                The 6 week program will begin June 21^st and wrap up the end of July.  Due to Federal funding requirements, these positions will only be available for youth who meet the federal income guidelines and are able to provide identity verification.  All youth must be residents of either Westmoreland or Fayette County. To learn more and apply, youth may contact PA CareerLink Fayette at 724-434- 5627, or PA CareerLink Westmoreland at 724-755-2330.   An application may be downloaded by clicking on the Other Resources tab and then clicking on Youth  Application.  Anyone planning to drop off an application at the CareerLink should bring along appropriate documentation such as a social security card, driver’s license or birth certificate and a pay stub or proof of household income.