Youth Job Training

About Excelerators

Excelerators are designed to prepare young people for work through accelerated education, training, and hands-on skill application in growing career fields. Each Excelerator focuses on a different high-demand field, including training, certifications, and relevant skill-building to prepare young people for careers.

The first cohort of our groundbreaking Manufacturing Technology Excelerator launched in February 2023 and was followed by our Health Excelerator in June 2023! The Tech Excelerator launched in the fall of 2023.

Youth in our Manufacturing Technology Excelerator

Manufacturing Tech

Registration Now Closed

youth in our health excelerator

Health

Registration Open: December 2, 2024

youth working on a computer in our tech excelerator

Technology

Registration Now Closed

Through our Excelerators, we are investing in the future of our community and empowering the next generation of workers. It's exciting to imagine what amazing things these young people will accomplish!

Manufacturing Tech Excelerator

The Manufacturing Tech Excelerator is a launchpad for youth interested in pursuing a career in manufacturing but who would benefit from workforce readiness training. The Manufacturing Technology Excelerator consists of 100 hours of paid training and education in OSHA safety and the basics of CAD, CNC operation, and welding. The program culminates in a 120-hour internship with a local manufacturing company. No experience or prerequisites are necessary.
Phase 1: Training 
  • Training is at Spark at Booth-Kelly
  • Monday through Thursday from 9:30 am to 3:00 pm (lunch included)
Phase 2: Internship
  • The internship will occur at businesses in the greater Eugene/Springfield area.
  • Monday to Friday (hours TBD)
Requirements:
  • Must be 18-24
  • No previous experience or prerequisites are necessary

Provided by Connected Lane County:

  • Transportation assistance
  • Lunch during class
  • $17 per hour wage

Registration is currently closed.

Health Excelerator

Get paid to become a Certified Nursing Assistant! This experience provides financial and other support services for participants through 80 hours of CNA1 training, 40 hours of clinical practice, and 120+ hours in an internship environment. 

Training: This unique opportunity pays participants throughout the training process while they gain industry-critical knowledge in medical terminology, CNA 1, CPR, first aid certifications, and hands-on experience.

Dates:

  • Phase 1: Onboarding
  • Phase 2: Nursing Assistant Program CNA 1 Training
  • Phase 3: Clinical Hours
  • Phase 4: Medical/Healthcare Internship

Requirements:

  • Must be between 18-24.
  • Attendance is mandatory.
  • A drug test, background check, and up-to-date vaccinations (Hep B, Varicella, MMR, Flu) are required. Connected Lane County staff can help participants acquire these.

Provided by Connected Lane County:

  • Transportation
  • Food Assistance
  • $17 per hour wage

Registration is open from 12/2 to 1/6!

Our Partners

The Youth Support Excelerator is generously sponsored and supported by Youth ERA, Trillium Community Health Plan, Lane CTE, Lane Community Health Council, and PacificSource Health Plans.

youth setting up computers in tech excelerator
You will have an opportunity to: 
  • Develop technology skills
  • Attend on-site tours of local tech companies
  • Gain exposure to professionalism in the workplace
  • Learn personal finance skills
  • Participate in job safety training

Technology Excelerator

The Tech Excelerator is a paid 10-week experience broken into two parts that consist of six weeks of education and training (120 hours) followed by a four-week internship with local industry professionals (150+ hours).

This program is for out-of-school youth between the ages of 18-24 who are interested in learning and developing the technology skills necessary to enter the tech industry. No experience or prerequisites are necessary.

Training and skills will include human/computer interaction and problem-solving, web design, programming, and IT support for hardware/infrastructure installation.

Phase 1: Classes
  • Classes will be hosted at Spark on 7th (22 W. 7th Ave, Eugene)
  • Monday, September 30, 2024 to Thursday, November 7, 2024
  • Monday to Thursday from 9:00 am to 2:30 pm (four days per week, lunch provided)
Phase 2: Internship
  • The internship will be in the greater Eugene/Springfield area.
  • Tuesday, November 12 to Friday, December 13
  • Monday to Friday (five days per week, full-time)
All participants will be paid $17 an hour.

Registration is currently closed.

Culinary Excelerator

The Culinary & Hospitality Excelerator provides youth with culinary education and training. More details coming soon.

Details: The date, time, and location will be announced soon!

Requirements:

  • Must be 16 - 24 years old
  • No previous experience is needed

Provided by Connected Lane County:

  • Transportation assistance
  • Childcare support
  • Lunch
  • $17 per hour wage
Youth learning culinary skills

Coming in 2025! Stay tuned for more information!

Jobs for Youth

Are you a youth looking for a job? Check out our job board to view current opportunities in our community. Our Elevate team can also provide you with additional job support in the form of resume help, interview prep, and much more!

Every month, you'll receive updates about events, opportunities for youth, and ways you can partner with us.