About The Emerging Workforce Program
Are you in high school and struggling with classes? Have you graduated and are not sure what you should do next? Or are you a parenting teenager who would like to attend college?
If you need someone to turn to, the Chemung-Schuyler-Steuben Workforce New York (CSSWFNY) Emerging Workforce Program is here to help. Our Navigators can assist you in exploring potential careers, writing a résumé, learning job preparedness skills, and brushing up on your job search and interviewing techniques.
We work with youth between the ages of 16 and 24 in the tri-county area who are trying to overcome barriers to finding employment, enrolling in training programs or attending college. Our free services help young adults who have dropped out of high school or are trying to earn a diploma, are facing homelessness, or are pregnant or parenting their own children.
Our program is offered in a partnership with area schools, community agencies, and employers that are all working together to help youth find career training or employment opportunities. Call us today to connect with a youth counselor to discuss your situation in private, and get started on a path to success!
CSS Emerging Workforce Facebook Page
What We Do
The Chemung-Schuyler-Steuben Workforce New York Navigators offer counseling services at five agencies across the Southern Tier region. Our program works with young adults at locations in Elmira, Corning, Hornell, Montour Falls and Bath.
After contacting one of our Navigators, you can apply for the CSS Workforce New York Youth Program. You will then meet with a Navigator who will offer advice on exploring careers, writing a résumé, launching a job search and finding occupational training. The CSS Workforce New York Youth Program is funded through the Federal Workforce Investment Act of 1998.
Resources
We have a variety of career and education services available to help you get started. Whether you’re interested in a new career, beginning vocational training or continuing your education, we have the resources available to meet your needs. The more you know about available careers and education, the easier it will be to make the right choice for you. View the resources we offer in the following categories; Career training programs, college, and general career exploration.
Six major themes found throughout the legislation that are helping to shape the youth movement are:
- Increased visibility of youth programs at state and local levels.
- Stronger linkages to the business community.
- Focus on youth development activities such as leadership, mentoring, teamwork, organization, citizenship and positive social behaviors.
- Increased emphasis on academic learning as it connects to the workplace.
- A stronger focus on out-of-school youth to reattach to the system and provide opportunities.
- Longer-term services that provide a continuum of educational, developmental, and skill building options that lead to successful transition to the workforce and post-employment interventions to stay attached and advance.
WIA also has mandated the ten required program elements that must be made available to all eligible youth. However, services offered to any individual participant are based on his/her needs and goals. They are as follows:
- Tutoring, study skills training, and instruction leading to completion of secondary school, in cluding drop-out prevention
- Alternative secondary school services
- Summer employment opportunities directly linked to academic and occupational learning
- Paid/unpaid work experiences
- Occupational skill training
- Leadership development opportunities
- Supportive services
- Adult mentoring for not less than 12 months
- Follow-up services for not less than 12 months
- Comprehensive guidance and counseling
Contact Youth Services
If you would like to learn more about the CSS Workforce New York Youth Program, please contact the Youth Navigator most conveniently located nearest you (see below). We look forward to working with you to help you realize your career and educational goals!
Emerging Workforce Management Staff:
Emerging Workforce Team Lead
Keith Guthrie
Email: keith.guthrie@csswfny.com
Phone: (607) 346-2413
Emerging Workforce Navigators
Laura West
Email: laura.west@csswfny.com
Phone: (607) 368-4006
Career Training Programs
If you want to enter a specific trade or occupation, career training is a good option to consider. Career training can prepare young people for a non-academic trade or occupation by providing an opportunity for hands-on experience in a particular skill or technology. Young people who have not entered the workforce can benefit from career training to make them more employable. It can also help those who want to change careers or those who want to improve their skills so that they can advance in their present jobs.
College
Earning a college degree brings many benefits that will help you succeed in life. Studies show that college graduates earn more than high school graduates, and have lower unemployment and greater job satisfaction. In 2009, the median income for young adults with a bachelor's degree was $45,000, while the median for those with an associate's degree was $36,000. Median earnings for young adults with a high school diploma or its equivalent were $30,000, and for those without a high school diploma or its equivalent, $21,000 (National Center for Education Statistics).
For youth who are unsure of their career plans, community college is a good way to start. At Corning Community College, applicants with a high school diploma do not need to have a specific grade point average to be admitted. Students without a high school diploma can work toward a general equivalency diploma (GED) while taking classes at Corning Community College, even though CCC does not offer a GED program.
- GED programs
- Links to local colleges:
- 4 year programs
- 2 year programs
- If you would like to browse more colleges across New York State, visit the Steuben County IDA website.
- Online colleges:
- Financial aid
- Common Application
General Career Exploration
You can investigate your career goals by first assessing your skills and identifying your past accomplishments. Once you have listed your skills and interests, you can explore occupations you would like to pursue. The final step in career exploration is developing an effective strategy that will help you achieve your goals. Counselors at the CSS Workforce New York have the tools and resources to help you explore your career objectives.
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