SHAPE OUR FUTURE WORKFORCE

EMPLOYERS: INVEST IN OUR YOUTH TODAY TO STRENGTHEN YOUR BUSINESS TOMORROW! CLICK HERE TO SEE HOW

With the state and nation’s youth employment rate continuing to remain at historic lows since the 1940’s; it is becoming increasingly more critical for workforce investment professionals to rely on the generosity of their business communities in providing youth with enriching work-based-learning opportunities. A myriad of current research supports the distinct correlation between young adults work experiences and their academic and occupational achievements.

To address the local challenge, the MassHire Berkshire Workforce Board (MHBWB) as the BERKSHIRE JOBS 4 YOUTH lead agency, is continually inviting employers and businesses to collaborate through any one of a menu of choices, from hiring youth to providing internships, to sponsoring opportunities such as job-shadowing, tours of the workplace, mini-career fares, and/or supporting the mission in an advisory capacity.

To facilitate this effort, the MHBWB has established a single clearinghouse approach to act as a resource for youth, employers, the business community, high schools, and the community at-large. The MHBWB, through its Board, Youth Council, and advisory groups, networks with many sectors of the business community and with schools and community agencies.

BENEFITS FOR BOTH YOUTH & EMPLOYERS

Youth Need Employers!

  • To develop a relevant base of experience upon which to make life decisions

  • To be exposed to various industry clusters in order to understand the culture of the workplace and develop job specific skills
  • To work with positive role models in the workplace to build self-confidence and self-esteem in meeting career aspirations

Employers Need Youth!

  • To have the opportunity to directly shape the region’s future workforce within their industries
  • To have the opportunity to develop a pool of potential employees
  • To diversify their workplace by bringing in the technology savvy knowledge-base characteristic of today’s youth population
  • To help meet corporate expectations and community responsibilities

Employer Tips & Resources – Virtual Career Immersion (Internship) Experiences

Interested in getting involved in any of the MHBWB and its community partners Career Readiness programs and activities?

Please click here for a complete listing of these offerings. Contact Heather Williams, MHBWB Youth Director, to get involved today! 413-442-7177 x151 / youthdirector@masshireberkshire.com.