Keeping Youth Employed and Productive

January 21st, 2012

Starting an ongoing recycling program in underserved neighborhoods was quite a challenge but I was determined to get my green jobs training program off the ground.

By working non-stop with community leaders, employment services and the schools, I was able to put together several programs that would show youth of different ages how to recycle and conserve energy. Though some parents with children that were too old for daycare but too young to go to work were glad for the program, not all of the kids were as enthused.

My staff and I would try different methods to try to create a happy medium so they were not bored but we got our objective across. Some met us half-way and others hopefully will come around in the near future, even if it’s not with my program.

The best part for all of us is getting outdoors, especially in the warmer months.

Being in the fast food industry can be kind of boring. So I was considering going back to school for business classes until a new food place opened near me that utilized a green jobs training program for those who are familiar with natural living.

This is a co-op that is run by the community. Everyone who becomes a part-time employee must attend a food handling course as well as get a briefing on the green industry itself. My best friend and I were looking for a change until classes started and decided to apply for entry-level positions as food clerks.

By the end of the training session, I was really amazed at what I learned about things like pesticides and what goes on at some food manufacturing plants. Since I am returning to college and the company is growing, I think this is where I will start my new career.

I really wasn’t much for sitting at a desk for eight to ten hours a day but I love to work in design. When I sought an environmental careers program at the community college for drafters and other architectural professionals, I felt I was in luck. Not because the courses were relatively short but there was ongoing enrollment.

Another reason is that when I got my evaluation, it was noted that my performance was down. There was no getting around this as I explained my dissatisfaction for being tied down for hours at a time. I expressed interest in the program and my supervisor mentioned an ongoing project that would involve that type of knowledge.

So far, the classes have been great and I’ve been able to get away from the office to take tours with the project manager to the new green buildings my firm is currently working on. You should also consider something called green web hosting.