SCCAA Career Exploration Program Seeks Applicants

South County Community Action Agency will accept applications on an ongoing basis to its “Job Ready” career exploration program for upcoming sessions, the agency announced.

The program kicked off in October, and is expected to be held quarterly during the year as needed.

Job-seekers from 18 to 24 years of age who are not attending school can apply to the five-week, free program that helps candidates find a career path that matches their skills and interests.

“One thing we consistently see from job-seekers who complete this program is the discovery that they can truly control their career arc,” explained South County Community Action CEO Joseph DeSantis. “In the majority of cases, young adults come to us with little more than a vague idea of what they’d like to do for work. Our ‘Job Ready’ program helps to bring those ideas into focus – and, more importantly, it offers participants a chance to gain valuable skills and truly experience the world of work in their chosen field.”

A 20-hour orientation program is presented during the first week, including lessons on improving “soft skills,” like work ethic and problem solving; enhancing work readiness; understanding financial literacy; preparing for job interviews; and completing CPR, First Aid, and AED training.

Other program highlights include a 100-hour paid job shadow opportunity, with the potential to participate in the On the Job Training [OJT] or Work Immersions program offered by the Rhode Island Department of Employment and Training.

A work-eligible social security number and eligibility to work in the U.S. are required. Participants must also be available for the entire length of the program, 25 hours per week for five weeks. Paid work experience can take place at nights and weekends.

All residents of Washington County are eligible to take part in the SCCAA-hosted program.

Contact Tammy DaSilva at South County Community Action Agency at (401) 741-6211 or email tdasilva@sccainc.org for more information.