Youth Employment Services (YES)

Youth Employment Services (YES)2024-03-13T09:00:17-07:00

Providing pre–employment transition services to students with disabilities, ages 14–21

About

About YES

The Youth Employment Services (YES) program provides pre-employment transition services to students with disabilities, ages 14-21, that reside in Clark, Cowlitz, Klickitat, Skamania, Wahkiakum, or Pacific County. YES is designed to improve employment outcomes by providing work readiness training, career related learning experiences and paid internships.

Youth Employment Services (YES)

Year-round services include:

Soft skills training, time management, punctuality, financial literacy, mock interviews, resume building, accessing services/supports.

Classroom based interactive instruction with topics including goal setting, effective communication, conflict resolution, and on-the-job skills.

Opportunity to visit a worksite in the community to observe a specific job being performed by an employee or employees.

Opportunity to visit a worksite in the community to observe a variety of different jobs being performed by employees at the same location.

Opportunity to meet one-on-one with an employer at a worksite in the community to ask questions and learn about their occupation.

Opportunity to work at an integrated work setting, earning practical experience in a field aligned with the students’ career interest(s). This may include volunteer and service learning opportunities.

Authentic work experience at a competitive, integrated, real work setting in the community.

Washington State Department of Social & Health ServicesServices are provided based on need, age, and readiness.

These services were developed in partnership with Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation.

Program Participant Testimonials

“Working with the ESD 112 YES Program was such a joy! Not only did we have a great time working alongside all the interns but even the employees at ESD 112 were easy to work with! We definitely recommend working with the YES Program!”

Leah Parsons, CORE Health Ascent Youth Center

“My time working at ­­Silicon Forest last summer was an experience that I’ll never forget! I learned dozens of things in only a few weeks and made lots of new connections in the industry! I’m so grateful for this amazing work experience.”

Merrick Barber, Student - Silicon Forest Electronics

“I had an amazing time working at Aero Maintenance Flight Center last summer. It was amazing opportunity for me and I learned a lot while interning there. I now plan to use what I learned to go into a career of aeronautics. Thanks for the opportunity that you guys have given me.”

Hudson Miles, Student - Aero Flight Maintenance Center

“For the past 3 years we have been working with ESD 112’s Youth Workforce, and it has been an amazing experience for our business. All the students have been enthusiastic to come to work and learn new experiences. We have watched the students gain confidence on their capabilities and strengths. Many of the students we have hired on after their program was over. Investing and mentoring these kids is the future for all of us. This is a great program and I highly recommend businesses to participate and invest in these students.”

Kathy Frazier, Frazier Benefits Group

“I was so pleased to see my son’s confidence grow after his training and paid internship. When he began applying for jobs after the program, his whole demeanor shifted to “I got this”… He knew he was ready to be in the workforce and felt confident applying and interviewing for jobs. He has now been employed for over a year while still attending college classes remotely.”

Sara Moore, Parent

“The SummerWorks program helped me gain an edge in any job situation. The hands-on experience and learning how to write a resume and interview was a huge help. I’ve been able to use the soft skills I learned in my full-time job at Ilani.”

Larsen Winger, 2019 SummerWorks Participant

How to Apply

Are you ready to say YES?

YES requires youth to be able to work independently and provide their own transportation.

To apply for YES, please complete and provide:

Please submit your printed application materials to your local ESD112 office. If you would like to submit your application materials digitally contact your local ESD112 representative. Representative contact information can be found in the Program Contacts tab.

If you need these documents in another language, contact your County ESD representative.

To participate in YES, students must be:

  • 14-21 years of age

  • Enrolled in school

  • Have an IEP, 504 Plan, or Medically Documented Disability

  • Live in Clark, Cowlitz, Wahkiakum, Pacific, Skamania or Klickitat County

ESD112/ YES is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Washington Relay 711.

Program Contacts

Who to Contact

If you have any questions about the program or application process, please contact your county representative.

ESD 112

Christine Katon

Youth Workforce Manager | Rural Career Navigator

Cowlitz, Wahkiakum, Pacific County, Clark, Skamania and Klickitat

Contact

Phone: 360-355-3119

Email: christine.katon@esd112.org

Office Locations

Application materials should be submitted to your local office:

Vancouver Office

2500 NE 65th Avenue, Vancouver, WA 98661

Cowlitz Office

1217 14th Avenue, Longview, WA 98632

Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR)

Career Readiness & STEM Resources

Upcoming Career Readiness & STEM Classes

Get Social with Us

STEM at ESD 112
STEM at ESD 112March 9, 2024 at 2:36pm
A free opportunity for teens to gain training in Automotive Mechanics. Call (971)361-8989 if interested

https://knucklebustersassociation.org/

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