How do we prepare young people for the jobs of tomorrow—today? Those working on youth career advancement in Philadelphia are introducing innovative ways to help young people prepare for today’s changing economy. These programs utilise a combination of training, mentorship, and industry connections to provide young people in Philadelphia with actual workplace experience and skills.
Since technology keeps evolving and industries are shifting, what used to work in the past isn’t enough now. We must offer young people modern opportunities that enhance their self-confidence, inspire their ambition, and support them in choosing their profession.
In this article, we will focus on the leading and advanced training practices helping build Philadelphia’s youth workforce.
If you’re a young Philadelphia resident hoping to further your future, you’re in the right place. Thanks to programs like Career Connected Learning PHL, students are learning valuable skills in real-life settings that they may not always acquire in school. Philadelphia’s youth workforce development aims to help teens transition smoothly from school to work, placing them in fields where they are in demand.
We’ll examine how this program operates and its significant impact.
Instead of sticking to textbooks, students face challenges in STEM, pipefitting, and healthcare fields. The method involves real projects, making learning enjoyable, connected to what’s required in the workplace and generally more appealing.
Career-connected learning PHL teams up with companies that wish to give more opportunities to future employees in Philadelphia. Through these partnerships, students gain valuable advice, feedback, and a clearer understanding of what the industry entails.
If you’re interested in tech, medicine, or skilled trades, you’ll find a suitable program. These courses are designed to provide Philadelphia’s students with real-world experience, enabling them to succeed and prosper once they enter the workforce.
When asked, 27% of Philadelphia students chose healthcare as their main career interest, while business/finance (11%) and arts/entertainment (9%) were the next most popular choices. Challenges that stand in the way of career success include a lack of experience, difficulty commuting to work, and not having proper work attire.
Career Connected Learning PHL allows youth to experience various careers for the first time by using career-based tools and working with experts. The earlier you are comfortable with numbers, the better your decisions about college, trade school or pursuing a job will be.
For many teens, summer is about getting out into the sun and being free. Yet in Philly, you can get work and set yourself up for success in the future. Philadelphia’s youth can participate in summer job programs that pay them to gain new abilities, so they don’t have to choose between learning and earning money.
Last year, close to 16,000 young people tried to get summer jobs with the Philadelphia Youth Network (PYN), but only about half were successful.
There are reasons why these summer positions matter more than other jobs:
Young participants get paid for volunteering in roles such as community support or for learning to be apprentice pipefitters. The point is to build experience, not only earn money, which helps before you start college.
Trying out tutorials can help teens identify the skills they possess and those they lack. Being self-aware enhances one’s career readiness and also facilitates personal growth, benefiting everyone involved.
Alt text: Career-connected learning PHL
Alt description: Student graduating from the Philadelphia Technical Training Institute.
Your Philadelphia summer job can lead to a full-time job or further learning opportunities. They are meant to start us, not hold us up as our limits.
Local activities have shown that teenagers who participate in them are more likely to complete high school, attend college or technical school, and maintain employment. That’s the advantage of having summer work with a meaningful goal.
People, including students, parents, and employers, ask the same thing. So, what is the solution? It involves a combination of critical and fundamental skills, as well as the ability to utilise modern technology.
Nearly 40% of employers feel that schools and universities do not help students prepare for their careers.
If you’re working in youth development in Philadelphia, keep these points in mind.
Employers are impressed when young workers can take initiative on projects and find solutions to problems. The ability to think quickly is highly valuable if you work in healthcare or at a pipefitting site.
Knowing how to use social media isn’t the only skill needed. People starting their careers are expected to learn the apps, tools and platforms they need for their work. This fluency is always included in every Career Connected Learning PHL program.
Expressing your ideas is necessary in person, on Zoom, or by email. They make use of Philadelphia Works Youth Programs, which actively helps with learning how to present oneself
Being on time, wearing the correct attire, and handling feedback effectively are essential skills to possess. For this reason, Philadelphia’s young workers’ training includes developing these skills at every step.
Developing Philadelphia’s youth workforce means teaching them how to make their careers meaningful and long-lasting. The choice is yours: Career Connected Learning PHL, Philadelphia summer job programs or Philadelphia Works Youth Programs help the city invest in each student’s future. They provide participants with more than just learning; they direct, motivate, and offer them opportunities. When youth succeed, it benefits the entire community.
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