The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act youth program is based on strong linkages between academic and occupational learning, creating connections with employers, providing mentoring and leadership development opportunities. There are eligibility requirements that will be evaluated with individuals who may qualify for entry into the program between the ages of 17 to 21. Eligible youth may get assistance, such as work experience, career counseling, vocational training, and job search.
We may be able to assist you with Work Experience (WEX), where you would be placed with an employer for a certain number of hours and STEP pays for your wages during that time. You obtain work experience in a job you are interested in and expand your job search network. In addition, you have the opportunity to show that employer the kind of worker you are and, depending on whether the employer has openings, you could be hired. Another Service that may be available is an On-the-Job-Training (OJT). During your assisted job search an employer determines they would like to hire you but, the cost of training a new employee is expensive. STEP may be able to assist the employer by paying a portion of your wage during the training period. During this time you are on the employer's payroll, and once training is over you will be a regular employee of that company. In addition to assisting with your job search activities, STEP may also help you to obtain your GED. STEP offers a GED pretest to determine subjects that need to be improved such as math, English, writing skills. An on-site-tutor is available to assist with this process.
A Work Permit is required for youth under the age of 18. To obtain a permit, youth should contact the school they are currently attending for a work permit request form. The school youth is attending will issue the work permit. Additional information may be found at http://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/DLSE-CL.htm, while a work permit request form is available at http://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/dlseformB1-1.pdf.
The Division of Labor Standards Enforcement's child labor law booklet contains comprehensive information about child labor laws, school attendance, wage, hour, and age requirements, restrictions, employer requirements and work permits.
The STEP Youth Local Council was established in September 2013 consisting of representatives from local organizations and community members located throughout Siskiyou County. Representatives have a vested interest in the youth of our community. The Council works to identify and discuss the needs of youth within Siskiyou County, and provides input to the NoRTEC Youth Council to assist in the development of the local plan related to youth activities. For more information please view the PDFs below.
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