Labor commissioner: Young workers should take advantage of TN programs to get ahead
As Tennessee embraces its dedication to fostering a brighter future for its youth, initiatives such as the Youth Employment Program (YEP) from the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development, show the way forward.
By nurturing partnerships between eager young minds and forward-thinking employers, YEP transcends the conventional boundaries of mere job placement. It serves as a catalyst for personal growth, professional development, and community enrichment. Helping young workers succeed in their first job is crucial to starting them down the path to meaningful employment.
YEP connects our state’s youth ages 14 to 24 with employers spanning diverse industries statewide. Participants immerse themselves in practical workforce experiences, acquiring invaluable skills, test-driving potential careers, and earning up to $4,000 in the process. This year-round initiative goes beyond job placements and imparts lifelong and transformative skills.
For young people taking those initial steps into the workforce, YEP provides an opportunity to experience the confidence that comes from receiving their first paycheck. It fosters a sense of self-assurance derived from earning personal income and contributing to a larger community.
YEP allows young Tennesseans to cultivate valuable work skills, potentially leading to continued part-time or full-time employment. Furthermore, in today's fiercely competitive job market, YEP allows youth to start writing their resumes and gaining on-the-job skills and training with real-world experience.
YEP offers businesses a streamlined approach to recruiting workers, providing a more agile alternative. The program handles all paperwork and insurance tasks, reducing the administrative load linked with onboarding new employees. Moreover, workers engaged through YEP receive payment from the state. Employers seeking to access fresh talent pools will appreciate how the program alleviates much of the customary recruitment work, enabling them to concentrate on immediate tasks.
For parents, counselors, and guardians, initiating a child's exploration of career opportunities early imparts a distinct advantage over their peers. Additionally, they'll be accountable to a supervisor who expects punctuality, professionalism, and effectiveness—fostering essential discipline and crucial soft skills vital for contemporary workplace success. Most significantly, YEP offers a secure, organized avenue for young individuals to build confidence through work experience and broaden their professional network, unlocking further avenues for progress.
This isn't just another internship program for young workers; it's an opportunity for everyone to invest in the future of Tennessee by equipping our youth with relevant and productive work skills. By encouraging young people to participate, you're helping tomorrow's CEOs and entrepreneurs develop the confidence, resilience, and adaptability they will need to thrive in today’s rapidly shifting marketplace. Youth, parents, and employers should visit yeptn.com to learn more about the program and how to enroll.
In addition to the other training initiatives the state offers, YEP creates yet another way for Tennesseans to get ahead and start the path of settling into a fulfilling career. The future of our state depends on our ability to equip young people to take on the world, and as Tennessee attracts more and more businesses, cultivating a capable workforce will open all kinds of doors.
Deniece Thomas serves as Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development.
This article originally appeared on The Daily Herald: TN labor commissioner offers program to help young workforce get ahead
