Partnership for youth employment at Jai Alai
Published 2:11 pm Wednesday, December 21, 2005
Glenn Richards, Hamilton County developer of the new Jai Alai gaming facility on US 129S and I-75 and the Dollar General Store in White Springs, is committed to improving employment opportunities for local residents.
Richards recently reinforced that commitment in a partnership with the North Florida Workforce Development Board in providing funding and opportunities for youthful employment.
Richards donated $25,000 to NFWDB to provide a structured employability program for ten Hamilton County High School students. NFWDB will augment Richards’ donation with funding through the Workforce Investment Act, a federal program to assist disadvantaged youth gain employment.
Under the public/private partnership, the students will have the opportunity for full summer employment beginning early June. The eight-week work project will be under the direction of Employment Connections Manager Elizabeth Skipper. Basic job skills and actual performance in the construction trades will be experienced, along with life and employability skills training, using a specialized curriculum.
All youth will receive a stipend for their participation. The students will also receive lunch and all the necessary work and training related equipment. Recruitment will be from HCHS, based on specific criteria – low income, at least 17-years-old. Interested individuals are urged to contact Skipper at 1-877-827-0647.
One Stop Career Centers (Employment Connections) operates in Hamilton County and five other North Florida counties, under a grant from Workforce Florida. No-cost employment and training services are offered in the communities served.
