Engaging Employers for YouthBuild Opportunity Youth Presenters: Meia Johnson, DOL Program Director & Executive Director: Rossie Johnson Antelope Valley YouthBuild

Engaging Employers: Overview Antelope Valley YouthBuild (AVYB) uses a range of strategies for engaging employers:  AVYB staff play an integral role in employer partnerships  Partner with local cities & working on affordable housing projects provides an opportunity to demonstrate work ethic  Introductory meetings with employers and campus tours to showcase young people in action  Establish a sector-based focus to create viable career paths  Encourage YB alum, board and committees to involve employers deeply in AVYB’s work

Staff Role: Engaging Employers Staff are involved with young people in varying ways, each having unique experiences to share.  All staff are responsible for placing students  Staff must be familiar with ALL aspects of the program  Staff are encouraged to talk with community partners and stakeholders about program  Staff can discuss the program in short 30-sec sound-bites  Staff highlight the skills and challenges of AVYB program participants  Staff assist students with placement goals

Showcase Your Program: Engaging Employers Introductory meetings with key HR representatives. Then, invite employers to YB Campus to show the young people in action  Schedule introductory meetings w/employers emee  Provide colorful materials with lots of action oriented photographs  Invite employers to visit your YB campus during a time with lots of activity, Policy Committee leads campus tour or have YB participants highlight key aspects of your program  Wrap-up with a Q&A meeting  The Ask – How many jobs can we count on you for?

Public Partnerships: Engaging Employers Partnership with local cities on community service & construction projects allows participants to demonstrate work ethic  Arrange an introductory meeting with city officials  Familiarize yourself with City projects and special initiatives  Identify key representatives from community & workforce development  Discuss partnership opportunities & bring materials about YB program  Bring an alumni member to talk about your program  Ask about workforce development programs/openings/internships  Program participants with community service & affordable housing construction projects  Offer to hold career fair at a city venue  Prep YB applicants to apply for City jobs

Sector-Based Partnerships: Engaging Employers Sector-based partnerships emphasize the importance of creating viable career paths YB opportunity youth have a shot at competing for good jobs Employers see YB applicants as experienced candidates  Identify local employers based on your YB program does workforce development  Set up introductory meetings. Highlight your programs’ training methods, certifications and hands-on activities  Prep YB applicants for applying for sector jobs  Update resumes to reflect skills based on sector jobs  Familiarize yourself with job requirements  Assist with job applications  Mock Interviews  Follow-Up with the employers regarding YB applicant status

Alumni & Board Members as Spokespersons: Engaging Employers Work with YB alum and board members to network with potential employers  Encourage YB program alum to network with employers  Equip alum with 30-second sound-bites and brochures  Ask board members about their corporate contacts  Ask board members to be references  Familiarize yourself with key networks  Offer to conduct presentations at meetings

Presenter Contact Information Presenter Name: Meia Johnson Presenter Name: Rossie Johnson