East Orange Launches ‘At-Risk Youth Workforce Training Program’

EAST ORANGE, NJ — East Orange’s “At-Risk Youth Workforce Training Program” is already making a difference in the lives of teens and young adults. Just ask Jayzan Reyes.

According to city officials, Reyes, 20, is just one of the people who have found a new sense of direction after joining the program, which is open to East Orange residents between the ages of 18 and 24.

Here’s how city officials describe the program, which is conducted with the support of Mayor Ted Green and the East Orange City Council, the Department of Public Works and the Mayor’s Office of Employment and Training (MOET):

“Designed to change the trajectory of young adults most susceptible to a life of crime, this program provides a six-week hands-on workforce training through a partnership with the East Orange General Laborer Training Program, local training providers and contractors. During the program, the participants also are assessed and given workshops to hone essentials such as computer literacy, soft skills and work readiness.”

City officials added:

“Research has shown that youth without entry-level work experience and post-secondary credentials face long-lasting adverse outcomes, including lower earnings and increased risk of unemployment later in life. The pilot program aims to identify and address the obstacles and barriers that significantly impact these young adults.”

Reyes said the program has given him a renewed sense of purpose since he signed up.

“I've learned so much in this program and this has been an amazing experience,” Reyes said. “I've even asked how can I get more training. And I am happy to teach what I've learned to anyone.”

Reyes said he enjoys getting up every morning with direction, structure and a goal to continually improve both himself and his community.

“We just want to uplift each other – and that's what this is all about,” Reyes enthused.

Mayor Green said that his administration is committed to “investing in our young people” and giving them the resources they need to seek quality employment with competitive wages.

“Our at-risk youth are among our most vulnerable citizens, who sometimes just need guidance and re-direction to help them gain experience and transferable skills as they enter the world of work,” Green added.

According to MOET workforce developer David Sharp, the city has collaborated with a diverse group of public and private companies and industries to provide opportunities in high-demand occupations such as construction, transportation, healthcare and STEM technology.

“At-risk residents possess tremendous potential,” Sharp said. “It is incumbent upon us, as a community, to proactively step up and do what we can to help these young people make better choices about their future.”

For more information on this program, contact Sharp at david.sharp@eastorange-nj.gov.

• See related article: Free Training In East Orange Helps Residents Get Construction Jobs
• See related article: East Orange Offers Ex-Offenders Ways To 'Get Back To Work'

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