LIMA — A new program in Lima has been created to help young people gain new entryways into the workforce.
The City of Lima has launched a workforce initiative program known as “GenNext” for young adults ages 16 to 24 who have not received a post-secondary degree. This new program will train and teach young professionals in areas of employment they are interested in pursuing.
“According to a national study completed in June of 2022, the national unemployment rate for youth ages 16 to 19 was 10.4 percent, and 6.8 percent for 20- to 24-year-olds,” said Amber Martin, Workforce and Small Business Development Specialist. “For adults ages 25 and older, the unemployment rate is 3.9 percent nationally and 4.3 percent locally. Young adults who are unsuccessful at moving into secure jobs by their early 20s are more likely to experience extended periods of joblessness, lower earnings and greater difficulty building financial security. That is why we are launching GenNext today.”
Youth interested in this program will receive pre-employment training and begin a paid internship related to their desired career path. Members of this program will be taught professionalism, financial literacy, workplace communication and more. The City of Lima is currently in the process of looking for pre-employment providers.
Youth who are eligible can begin to apply in January 2023. Classes will begin in the spring and internships will begin in the summer.
“Some of the things I learned on my first job included character building and professional skills development,” said Mayor Sharetta Smith. “I have taken these skills with me throughout my entire career. I am very excited to announce this program. It provides an opportunity for real workforce experience and provides an opportunity for us as a City to do what we can to increase household income.
“We already have partners here in the city: Mercy Health-St. Rita’s, Lima Memorial Health System and Huntington Bank. We also had a kickoff meeting yesterday with several employers that are interested in allowing that workforce opportunity for students as well as individuals who are interested in providing pre-employment skills. Our goal is to train 100 youth per summer starting the summer of 2023. In order to meet that goal, we will need family members, friends, and teachers to talk to the youth about this opportunity.”
For more information contact Amber Martin at 419-223-7281.
