Youth Job Training
About Excelerators
Excelerators are designed to prepare young people for the workforce through accelerated education, training, and hands-on internships in growing career fields. Each Excelerator focuses on a different high-demand field, integrating training, certifications, and relevant skill-building to prepare young people for fulfilling careers.
The first cohort of our groundbreaking Manufacturing Excelerator launched in February 2023, followed by our Health Excelerator in June 2023! The Information Technology Excelerator launched in the fall of 2023, and our Culinary launched in 2025.
Manufacturing
Registration Now Closed
Health
Registration Now Closed
Culinary
Registration 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
- Training is at Spark at Booth-Kelly
- Monday through Thursday (lunch included)
- The internship will occur at businesses in the greater Eugene/Springfield area.
- 40 hours per week (individual schedules may vary)
- 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
Applications for the 2026 Manufacturing Technology Excelerator are now closed.
Health Excelerator
Get paid to jump-start your healthcare career!
This program supports participants looking to become Traditional Health Workers through specialized training, certifications, and work experiences. Traditional Health Workers are the bridge between social services, health services, and clients. THW’s hold a unique position as trusted community members who use their lived experience and expertise to help clients navigate complex systems and challenges.
This paid opportunity lasts a total of 10 weeks, including 6 weeks of training followed by a 4-week work experience. All costs, including fees and program materials, are covered by Connected Lane County. Lunch is provided during training, with supplemental nutrition, transportation, and accommodation support available for participants.
Phase 1: Training
- Schedule is Monday to Thursday from 9:00 am to 2:30 pm (four days per week, lunch provided, transportation assistance available)
- Onboarding takes place Wednesday (1/7) and Thursday (1/8) from 9:00 am to 2:30 pm
- Training will be hosted at Spark at Booth-Kelly (303 S 5th Street Suite 150, Springfield, OR 97477)
Phase 2: Work Experience
- Work experiences will take place in the greater Eugene/Springfield area.
- Variable schedule, (five days per week, full-time)
Requirements:
- Must be 18-24
- Eligible to work in the U.S.
- On-time, daily attendance is mandatory
- No previous experience or prerequisites are necessary
Provided by Connected Lane County:
- Supplemental nutrition, transportation, and accommodation support available for participants
- Lunch during training
Applications are now closed! Check back next fall in 2026 for new dates.
Culinary Excelerator
The Culinary Excelerator helps young adults build real skills in the kitchen and beyond. Get hands-on training in a commercial kitchen, where you’ll learn essential techniques like knife skills, food handling, and safety, all while earning $17 per hour. 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. We will run two separate eight-day sessions of this Excelerator in the summer of 2026.
Dates and Times:
Two separate eight-day sessions of this Excelerator in the summer of 2026:
- Session 1: Monday, August 3 - Thursday, August 13, 2026 - 9 am to 3 pm (excluding the weekend)
- Session 2: Tuesday, August 18 - Friday, August 28, 2026 - 9 am to 3 pm (excluding the weekend)
- 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
- $17 hourly wage throughout training
Applicants are also strongly encouraged to attend the related professional development series in July, occurring on Wednesdays and Thursdays: July 8, 9, 15, and 16 from 3 pm to 6 pm. More details coming soon.
