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 and includes training, certifications, and relevant skill-building in order to prepare young people for careers.
The first cohort of our groundbreaking Manufacturing Technology Excelerator launched in February 2023 and will be followed by our Youth Support Excelerator taking place in June! The Culinary & Hospitality Excelerator will launch in the fall at Mapleton High School followed by our Technology Excelerator in 2024.
Manufacturing Tech
Currently in session!
Youth Support
Starting in June 2023!
Culinary
Coming Fall 2023!
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 Excelerator
The Manufacturing Excelerator is a two-part program, where youth learn the skills needed to build a successful career in the manufacturing industry. The program includes workforce readiness training and internship experiences with manufacturing technology companies.
Readiness Training: During 100+ hours of training, you'll learn and develop essential skills and knowledge needed to join the industry. Classes are held three days a week.
Internship Experience: After successfully completing the training hours, you'll gain hands-on experience through a 120-hour internship with a local manufacturing company.
Requirements:
- Must be 18 - 24 years old
- No previous manufacturing experience is needed
Provided by Connected Lane County:
- Transportation assistance
- Childcare support
- Lunch during class
- $17 per hour wage
Congratulations to the 11 talented individuals in the first cohort of the Manufacturing Technology Excelerator! They have already completed more than 100 hours of training including OSHA 10 certification, CAD with Fusion 360, and safe operation of cutting-edge manufacturing technology, including CNC routers and mills. Soon they will join local Manufacturing companies for a month-long internship. Huge thank you to Urban Lumber, Astec/JCI, Swanson Group, Western Shelter, Gheen Irrigation, Sierra Pacific Industries, and Strapworks for hosting our Manufacturing Technology Excelerator Interns!
Currently in session! Next cohort registration opens winter of 2024.
Youth Support Excelerator
The Youth Support Excelerator guides youth through a forty-hour Oregon Health Authority (OHA) approved training for Youth Support Specialists. The training is specifically tailored to fit the needs of youth and young adult peer support providers.
Training & Certification: This training provides participants with a comprehensive introduction to peer work and includes a variety of support methods that center on the lived experiences of the peer. Those who complete this training are able to register with the state of Oregon as certified Youth Support Specialists (YSS).
Details:
- Dates: Tuesday, June 20 - Saturday, June 24
- Time: 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
- Location: Spark at Booth-Kelly, 303 S 5th Street #150, Springfield, OR
Requirements:
- Must be 17 - 24 years old
- No previous experience is needed; however, lived experience with mental health, addiction, or overcoming life challenges unique to youth and young adults is important.
Provided by Connected Lane County:
- Transportation assistance
- Childcare support
- Lunch
- $16.50 per hour wage
The application is now closed.
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.
Culinary & Hospitality Excelerator
The Culinary & Hospitality Excelerator provides youth with culinary education and training. This 12-week program is a paid opportunity! Completion of this Excelerator will assist participants in gaining employment.
Training & Certification: Youth will receive textbooks, supplies, chef attire, and meals at no cost. The education, training, and experiences are centered around sourcing, preparing, and serving primarily natural foods sourced from local farms, rivers, and the ocean. Participants will have the opportunity to visit organic farms, forage in the wild, spend a day on a fishing boat, and grow produce and herbs. Participants will gain two certifications from the National Restaurant Association Education Foundation and complete a culinary education curriculum from the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation.
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
Coming fall of 2023! Stay tuned for more information!