Our city faces a dilemma – Newark employers are desperate for skilled labor, while Newark youth are seeking post-secondary employment opportunities. The solution appears to be simple – connect Newark youth to Newark employers. Yet, if we don’t prepare youth to succeed in those positions, aren’t we just setting them up for failure?
A few years ago, Schools That Can (STC) Newark expanded its work to address this education to employment (e2e) gap by launching the Career Skills program – working directly with high schools to help build strong career pathways into high-demand, middle- to high-skill careers. Not only do students get technical skill instruction, but they spend time with area employers, attend higher education courses, gain work experience with paid internships, and complete team-based projects and competitions. STC Newark’s Career Skills programs helps bridge that e2e gap, preparing Newark youth for career success.
Not convinced? Two words for you – Yasha Turnage.
West Side Class of 2019 and participant in STC Newark’s Advanced Manufacturing Career Skills program, Yasha was hired this August at ZaGo Manufacturing, a Newark-based firm that makes high-quality screws and parts. When ZaGo contacted STC Newark looking for Career Skills program graduates to hire, STC Newark contacted Yasha, set up a site tour, and introduced her to Jackie Luciano, ZaGo Vice-President. After an interview with the owner, Yasha was asked to start the next day.
Yasha credits the STC Newark program and her experience with the Newark Youth One-Stop for preparing her for this opportunity. “I remember everything that happened at West Side,” said Yasha. “In the advanced manufacturing class when it was time to get to work, there were expectations.” Students worked together as teams to complete projects, including meeting required deadlines, seeking out clarification on tasks, and taking what they were learning together seriously. Yasha said the program instilled an expectation that she and her classmates pursue a career after high school or college, not just a job. So, when this big career opportunity came, Yasha was ready to embrace it, excelling not just in hands-on skills, but also the interview process.
As to her new career, Yasha said she’s most excited about “being able to train other people in the future.” Her success has sparked an inspirational effect, too. When she first started, she recorded what she was doing on her Instagram account. Students currently in STC Newark’s program asked what she was doing. “I was telling them how what I am doing is important, these screws I am making are important,” Yasha said to her friends and family. “I would tell them to work hard. And if you have an opportunity given to you, then take it.”
As it stands now, STC Newark is working with several Newark high schools to build out strong programs that can change the lives of Newark youth while filling employment needs locally. But STC Newark is not alone in this work. Many organizations, schools, and agencies, including the Newark Youth One-Stop, are working collaboratively with youth and employers to help fill this gap. As the need for middle- and high-skill labor increases, all Newark educators, organizations, and employers must work together to bridge that gap so that Newark youth can not only fill in the employment shortages, but set themselves on the path to stable and rewarding careers in the process.
It is time to solve this dilemma together.
