By By Heather Boulger,Masshire Berkshire Career Center

Copyright berkshireeagle

Summer jobs and youth programs open doors to the future. While many youth were at the beach or on vacation this summer, nearly 100 young people were engaged with valuable paid work experience and gained essential work readiness skills.

The summer was filled with growth, creativity and connection. From community spaces to classrooms to workspaces, young people worked collaboratively and tackled issues, learning to solve problems, support one another, and contribute to society. None of this would be possible without the generosity of our community and employers.

For decades, the MassHire Berkshire Workforce Board and Career Center have been providing these opportunities to train a future workforce while also reenergizing employers. Summer jobs help revitalize the regional economy, reduce crime, and inspire teens to work, thrive, and live in Berkshire County. Here’s two of MassHire’s summer programs:

North County Summer Internships

The MassHire Berkshire Workforce Board’s North County program is in its 11th year, providing seven youths with summer internships. Youth completed work readiness training at MCLA, and participated in 125 hours of paid work experience.

Young people were exposed to business etiquette, customer service, retail, tourism, community organizations and landscaping. Intern Azaezel commented, “I love it here (Roots Teen Center). It’s very safe place and very calm. It’s the kind of place I wanted when I was younger.”

Intern Hunter said, “My favorite part of this job (at Moresi & Associates) is that it keeps me busy and it’s something my dad does so I wanted to try it out — now this is something I want to master.”

Two youths were hired beyond the summer program.” Intern Jacob stated, “I like the yard work (at the Porches) — this is my first time mowing and weed whacking and I’m good at it.”

MassHire Internship program host employers included Porches Inn, Lickety Split, Moresi & Associates, North Adams Public Schools and Roots Teen Center, which served as outstanding mentors in these young adults’ lives. The program relies on grants and donations generously provided by MountainOne, A Better Community, Miraval Berkshires, Moresi & Associates, Berkshire Bank, and Crane.

For information about North County internships or any of MassHire youth programs, please contact Heather Williams at Youthdirector@masshireberkshire.com.

For the past 21 years, MassHire Berkshire Career Center has been implementing YouthWorks, a summer program for youth ages 14-25 to gain life skills and hands-on work experiences to prepare for their future careers.

This summer, there were 86 youths and five peer leaders placed in 32 companies, including A Little Nibble, Aladco, Berkshire Botanical Gardens, Berkshire Peak, Berkshire Innovation Center, BRIDGE, Cheshire Youth Center, Christian Center, Girls, Inc, Greenagers, Hilltop Farm, Habitat Restore, Kimball Farms, Market 32, MassHire, PCTV, Plant Connector, Print Shop, Second Chance Composting, Tot Spot, Tea & Boba, Williams Shop, and Williamstown Public Works.

These young people received small group introductory work placements, structured work experiences, and career pathway support. Skills were measured through comprehensive assessments, career planning, case management and documented on a Massachusetts Work-based learning plan. All YouthWorks participants completed 15 hours of Career Readiness training.

This transformative summer program is part of YouthWorks, a statewide initiative administered by Commonwealth Corp. and coordinated locally by the MassHire Berkshire Career Center. This program connects teens and young adults with paid work experiences, mentorship, and career exploration opportunities.

“It’s more than a summer job; it’s a launchpad for growth, confidence, and future success!,” according to a statement from Commonwealth Corp. “In addition to paid work experiences, youth participate in Signal Success career readiness curriculum which helps to foster communication, self-advocacy, and other essential skills for success.”

YouthWorks provides paid summer job placements and teaches young people how to succeed in a work environment to take their next steps in their education and career journeys.

Keep your eyes out for these amazing young people in the Berkshires.

Youth Works is funded by the Commonwealth Corp.’s Center for Youth Development and Education under the state’s Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development.

For more information on the Pittsfield Youth Works Program and additional youth employment services offered through MassHire Berkshire Career Center, contact Kelly Groves-Skrocki, Youth Services Coordinator at 413-499.2220.