The Youth Employment Skills (YES) Program is for youth ages 16-21 interested in improving their employment skills. The program has three main components. The first component is the Job Readiness Training (JRT) Course. Youth are required to participate in the five consecutive JRT Classes, which focus on the skills necessary to help them reach their goals. General life skills are also discussed. The class topics include:

• Finding a job that interests you
• Resumes and applications
• Interviewing
• Keeping a job
• Getting promoted
• Reaching your long-term goals

While the program does not have a job placement service, job search assistance is available after completion of the JRT classes.

Once a youth has found a part-time/full-time job, the YES Coordinator attempts to find a worksite mentor who serves as a role-model for the youth at their place of employment. The mentor’s role is to answer the youth’s questions, give constructive criticism, if needed, and keep in touch with the YES Coordinator. The main goal is to help the youth gain skills that will lead to long-term self-sufficiency. Job retention is also a focus. Ideally, having a mentor will help with job retention, because any problems can be identified and addressed, by the mentor and by the YES Coordinator, as soon as they arise.