Neighbor News
South County Community Action Agency Matches Applicants with Jobs
The local agency offers paid job experience and classroom instruction for 18- to 24-year-old job seekers.
WAKEFIELD – For job seekers between 18 and 24 years old, the lack of specific job skills can be a huge hurdle.
South County Community Action Agency seeks to help applicants get over that obstacle – and help business owners hire qualified candidates – through its job readiness programs.
“Even with the improving job market, many applicants may not have the specific skills that an employer needs,” explained South County Community Action CEO Joseph DeSantis. “Our programs offer a way to get those skills, as well as providing paid experience for these candidates, meaning the business owner doesn’t have to pay for them to learn on the job.”
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Applicants to SCCAA’s programs who qualify under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act [WIOA] complete classroom instruction and get personalized support to identify and pursue job opportunities according to their interests – retail, medical, legal, construction, and tourism are some of the many industries available.
“Our programs help participants bring their job goals into focus – and, more importantly, it offers them a chance to gain valuable skills and truly experience the world of work in their chosen field,” DeSantis said.
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Under the supervision of SCCAA staff, participants complete a 20-hour orientation program, which includes 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 opportunities 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.
For employers, SCCAA funds up to 150 hours of paid experience, which can last up to six weeks, depending on the applicant’s schedule.
“By paying the first few weeks’ salaries, we’re ensuring a good match for the employer at no cost, and improving the chances that they hire the participant for the long term,” DeSantis explained. “This program is truly a win-win, as it improves the overall skill level of the applicant pool and gives businesses a way to hire and retain talented employees.”
For more information on SCCAA’s job readiness and placement programs, call (401) 519-1901.
