Career opportunities await local youth

By Staff
Tracy B. Cieniewicz, Hartselle Enquirer
On the heels of high school graduations, the Hartselle Area Chamber of Commerce is ready to help local youth prepare for the future through job placement and continuing education.
In conjunction with Calhoun Community College, a Workforce Investment Act (WIA) Out-of-School Youth Certification Day will be held Tuesday, June 17 at 9 a.m.-2 p.m. A LAUNCH (Learning About Unique New Career Hopes) Training Day will be held Wednesday, June 18 at 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Both events will be held at Hartselle High School.
Youth ages 14 to 21 that are permanently out of school, or have graduated from high school and need assistance, are invited to receive work readiness and job skills training at this event. Job placement, GED classes/exit exam, and college funding are also available.
Caroline Weems, Hartselle Area Chamber of Commerce WIA Out-of-School Youth Job Placement Coordinator, said the program is currently serving approximately 100 youth in Morgan, Lawrence, and Limestone Counties.
"The program is very successful in being able to place those who want to work in a job and preparing those who want to continue their education on that path," Weems said. "The purpose is to help youth make good decisions about their future."
Eligibility is determined at the June 17 Certification Day. Participants are asked to bring their Social Security card, birth certificate or valid driver's license, and documentation of family income (if under age 19) or individual income (19 or older) for the past six months.
Call Weems at 773-4370 to make an appointment for certification.
LAUNCH training will include work readiness, teamwork, and leadership skills training, free lunch and door prizes. For participants who are unable to attend, contact the Alabama State Employment Service at 355-0142 to inquire about the WIA Out-of-School Youth Certification and LAUNCH Training.