Thursday, May 30, 2013

Thursday, May 9, 2013

Local Partnerships Assisting Youth Transition to Employment

Youth Conference is being held June 17th-19th at McAlister Square in Greenville to help provide youth ages 17-24 with tools they need to get a job and keep it!



GREENVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA, April 23, 2013 – The Greenville Regional Education Center of Personal Pathways to Success, SC Works Greenville, and the Transitional Jobs Committee of the Greenville County Workforce Investment Board’s Youth Council are hosting a Conference for youth who have a barrier to employment. The purpose of the 2013 Youth Conference is to better equip Youth with skills needed to gain employment and retain it.

The Conference begins Monday, June 17th at 9am with a kickoff in the University Center’s main Auditorium. Day 1 will focus on “getting your foot in the door,” such as networking, interviewing, and proper use of social media. Day 2 will focus on “keeping it there,” such as teamwork, communication, and work quality. The third day of the Conference will offer special break-out sessions to assist youth who may have difficulty meeting education qualifications or background screening requirements for employment. The conference will conclude with a Resource and Job Fair.

According to Youth Council Coordinator Jay Blankenship, “Many of these young adults will make great employees. They just need some basic employability skills to give them a fighting chance when competing with more experienced candidates.” Companies from across Greenville County are being invited to participate during the job fair. “This is an excellent opportunity for employers to pay it forward and make a positive difference in the community by offering career options and advice to our Youth,” explains Blankenship.

The Conference is open to all upstate Youth, ages 17-24, who have struggled transitioning to employment. There is no charge for participation, and lunch will be provided. Space is limited to the first 100 participants. Interested Youth are encouraged to register by May 31st. Community partners and organizations are encouraged to refer and possibly sponsor youth by providing transportation if needed.

To learn more about the 2013 Youth Conference or to register for the event, please visit or contact Ruth McAninch by phone at 864-467-7229 or by email at rmcaninch@greenvillecounty.org.