Information for Businesses
and Employers

Purpose: The Workforce Investment Act (WIA) of 2000 is the Federal Government’s response to addressing projected labor shortages facing the 21st century American economy. In Utah, workforce shortages will soon slow or even halt Utah’s thriving economy. Out of school youth and those most at risk of dropping out are an increasing important component of workforce development. YES is committed to workforce development by providing low income youth educational and occupational training services that lead to successful integration in the local workforce.

Employers Make A Positive Difference

At a younger age, many adults took for granted the occupational career assistance they received from family and friends, whether it was help in getting a first job, career advice, or perhaps whether to attend college or not. YES Case Managers assist youth by connecting them to the world of work and training. Local businesses and employers can be valuable partners in building tomorrow’s workforce by collaborating with YES to help make positive differences in the lives of youth.

Collaborating with the YES Program

There are a number of ways businesses and employers can help.

• Paid and Unpaid Internships, Summer Youth Employment Opportunities, and Job Shadows:
  Internships and Summer Youth Employment provide youth with hands on experience with developing occupational and work readiness skills. Internships can be subsidized by the YES Program or be unpaid. Subsidized internships can last for up to 320 hours. Job Shadows provide youth with a brief overview of a business or industry and help to develop occupational interest.
• Workshops: Businesses or employers can host industry workshops where youth learn about entry level jobs, career pathways, and what training is required to enter the particular business or industry.
• Mentoring: Business professionals can have a powerful influence in shaping youth by providing positive role models and helping to build skills and knowledge.
• Facility Tours: Businesses may make their facilities available for field trips that enable youth to be introduced to various occupations and learn about a specific company or industry.
• Donations: Businesses and employers may also donate needed supplies, materials, and resources to be used to benefit youth.
• Targeted Industries: High growth industries such as health care, construction and manufacturing are especially in need of employees. YES actively seeks out industry support in assisting to educate and connect youth interested in these careers.
• Work Opportunity and Welfare-to-Work Tax Credit of up to $2,400 per worker may be available to businesses who hire YES youth that are receiving state assistance. Visit http://jobs.utah.gov/employer/Business/wotc.asp to see if this opportunity is right for you.

Inaugural Speech Read what employers have to say

Additionally, there are many other ways for businesses to enhance a participant’s work skills and experience, and to develop an ongoing, mutually beneficial relationship with the YES program:

• Seasoned employees may act as mentors helping participants build skills and knowledge, and acting as role models.
• Businesses may make their facilities available for field trips that enable youth to be introduced to various occupations, and learn about a specific company and industry.
• By providing job shadow opportunities, unpaid internships, and work site experiences, employers can help participants gain invaluable, hands on work experience.
• Business managers and other professionals may act as trainers and instructors for our vocational training programs, Health Careers Opportunity Program and Youthbuild Salt Lake, as well as the YES Leadership Program [link].
• Corporations may also donate needed supplies, materials, and resources to be used to benefit youth.

Current Business Partners

YES program staff and participants greatly appreciate the many ways in which businesses contribute to the participant’s success. Currently, our network of private and public organizations includes the following employers:

Collaboration with businesses and organizations in the private and public sectors is a critical element of the YES program’s ability to help youth gain necessary work and life skills to become successful members of the workforce. We look forward to extending our partnerships with businesses throughout Salt Lake and Tooele Counties.

More Information

To receive more information on supporting youth as a business partner, please feel free to contact YES Job Developer Charles Otis at 801 468-2334 or e-mail cotis@slco.org. We look forward to working with you.