Preparing youth for the workforce
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EmailA reflection of MSU Extension’s 2016 workforce preparation programming with youth.
One of the many content areas for Michigan 4-H Youth Development is workforce preparation. In a pre/post-reflective survey for 2016, evaluated participants indicated that as a result of participating in one of our programs, they gained a significant increase in their knowledge surrounding workforce preparedness. The programs included topics such as how to search for a job and the importance of networking. In addition, participants enhanced their ability to perform key skills related to workforce preparedness, such as putting together a resume or going on a job interview.
Michigan State University Extension’s 4-H youth program’s target audiences include youth, adult staff and volunteers working with young people. The 2016 learning outcomes were:
- Youth participants have basic knowledge of employability skills and self-awareness as it relates to future career possibilities.
- Adult participants are trained to utilize workforce preparation curriculum.
The action outcomes we focused on for workforce preparation were:
- Youth participants apply skills necessary for employment.
- Adult participants teach workforce preparation concepts.
Approximately 1,475 participants were engaged in 130 workshops addressing youth workforce preparation across Michigan. Youth were engaged in workshops, programs, events and in- and out-of-school learning opportunities about how to create a resume or portfolio, the importance of networking and a good business handshake, dressing for success, interview and job search skills including completing job and scholarship applications, and mock interview experiences as well as the follow-up with thank-you notes.
In addition, some programs included teaching adults and youth about options for funding post-secondary education. Programming took place with schools, juvenile centers, mentoring programs, 4-H tractor operator programs, camp counselors in training, teen spokesperson trainings, Michigan Youth Opportunities Initiative (youth involved in the foster care system), mock interview days, our pre-college program called 4-H Exploration Days and summer employment programs.
After participating in a 2016 4-H workforce preparation program, a youth participant shared, “I feel very confident that I will do well in future interviews.”
To learn more about the positive impact of MSU Extension and Michigan 4-H career preparation, money management and entrepreneurship programs, read the Impact Report: “Preparing Michigan Youth for Future Employment.”
