Idaho Youth Ranch Job Readiness Program

Youthworks is an 8-week, paid, on-the-job training designed to give young people the experience they need to succeed. Participants receive a $720 stipend for this program.

Landing that first job is an important milestone in a young person’s life. It represents independence, responsibility, and being trusted to contribute something valuable to society. However, the path to meaningful employment can be unclear and intimidating for teens and young adults. That’s why Idaho Youth Ranch created the YouthWorks Job Readiness Program to equip youth with the skills, experience, and confidence to succeed in the working world.

This 8-week paid training program allows participants ages 14–24 to earn as they learn. By actively working in Idaho Youth Ranch retail stores, trainees gain hands-on experience in various facets of customer service, sales, and operations. Under the guidance of a job coach, they discover and develop their unique gifts and talents while adding key abilities to their resume.

YouthWorks builds foundational skills for work and life, including:

Retail Knowledge:

- Performing merchandising, inventory control, cleaning, organizing, and product pricing
- Operating registers, handling cash, and processing payments
- Providing excellent face-to-face customer service

Reliability & Responsibility

- Showing up on time and communicating clearly
- Completing assigned tasks with care and integrity
- Identifying problems proactively and working toward solutions

Teamwork & People Skills:

- Cooperating with coworkers in a positive, helpful way
- Adapting one’s approach to interact effectively with diverse personalities
- Exhibiting professionalism in speech, behavior, and appearance

Week 1: Onboarding & Orientation

Participants work with a Job Specialist to prepare for the program. This week, youth must be available from 4 pm to 7 pm, Tuesday through Friday.

- Tuesday | Orientation Day! Welcome to YouthWorks
- Wednesday | Thrift Store Workshop: A group field trip to an Idaho Youth Ranch thrift store offers supervised, hands-on tutorials for the work youth will perform in later weeks.
- Thursday | Job Readiness: Discover the key to unlocking your potential and achieving success through cultivating a growth mindset and strong work ethic.
- Friday | Interview Workshop: Simulated job interview exercises with real-time feedback to provide trainees tips on excelling professionally.

Weeks 2–7: Hands-on Experience

Participants receive on-the-job training at an IYR thrift retail location close to their homes. Each week involves a 12-hour schedule determined by the manager and trainee during an initial interview. By the end of the seventh week, program participants have developed a solid foundation in retail employment with transferable skills applicable in any work setting. Trainees often cultivate improved confidence and form new friendships while building a professional skill set.

Week 8: Transition to Employment

Participants work with a Job Specialist to transition into the workforce. This week, youth must be available from 4 pm to 7 pm, Tuesday through Friday.

- Tuesday | Application Workshop: Get hands-on experience filling out job applications and learn helpful tips to stand out as an ideal candidate.
- Wednesday | Financial Class: As trainees earn their own money, they gain a deeper understanding of personal finance. Balancing a checkbook, building credit, and creating a budget that works for them empowers youth with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed financially.
- Thursday | Job Search Workshop: Applying the knowledge and skills they’ve developed over the last eight weeks, trainees begin their job search with helpful guidance.
- Friday | Graduation Day: Youth are welcome to invite their families to show off their accomplishments. Participants will receive a certificate of achievement and become official Idaho Youth Ranch Alumni.

High school students are welcome and encouraged to apply! This part-time job will be designed to accommodate most school schedules. Check out the Trainee Job Description here.

For more information, please email questions to youthworks@youthranch.org

Program Requirements

- 12 hours of participation per week for the entire program in order to qualify for graduation
- Picture ID (school ID, driver’s license, passport, state ID, etc.) and social security card
- Ability to work independently and lift at least 40 lbs
- A desire to learn and grow

Idaho Youth Ranch Job Readiness Program

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