Youth Job Training
About Excelerators
Excelerators prepare young people for the workforce through accelerated education, hands-on training, and paid internships in growing career fields. Each Excelerator focuses on a high-demand industry, combining technical training, industry certifications, and real-world experience to help participants build skills for meaningful careers.
Our first Manufacturing Excelerator launched in 2023, followed by Health and Technology later that year, and Culinary in 2025.
As the needs and interests of young people continue to evolve, so do our Excelerators. We're reimagining what's next, with exciting updates on the way. Stay tuned!
Manufacturing
Applications Now Closed
Culinary
Applications Now Closed
Connected Lane County's Excelerators 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
- Session 1:
- Training: September 28, 2026 - October 22, 2026
- Professional Development Series: September 9, 10, 16, 17, 2026
- Session 2:
- Training: April 5, 2027 - April 29, 2027
- Professional Development Series: March 24, 25, 31, and April 1, 2026
- Must be 18-24
- No previous experience or prerequisites are necessary
Provided by Connected Lane County
- Transportation assistance
- Required PPE and other work-related gear
- Lunch during training
Applicants are strongly encouraged to attend the related professional development series before an Excelerator session, occurring on Wednesdays and Thursdays. More details will be provided leading up to each session.
Fall 2026 cohort applications open 7/24/2026!
Culinary Excelerator
The Culinary Excelerator helps young adults build real skills in the kitchen and beyond. Get paid hands-on training in a commercial kitchen, where you’ll learn essential techniques like knife skills, food handling, and safety. Plus, dive into the business side of the industry, connecting with local chefs to kick-start your career in the culinary world. No experience or prerequisites are necessary.
- Session 1:
- Training: August 3, 2026 - August 13, 2026
- Professional Development Series: July 8, 9, 15, 16, 2026
- Session 2:
- Training: August 18 - August 28, 2026
- Professional Development Series: July 8, 9, 15, 16, 2026
- Must be 18-24
- No previous experience or prerequisites are necessary
Provided by Connected Lane County
- All cooking equipment and ingredients
- Personal cookbook
- Lunch during training
Applicants are strongly encouraged to attend the related professional development series before an Excelerator session, occurring on Wednesdays and Thursdays. More details will be provided leading up to each session.
