Dept. Of Labor Announces 720 Openings For Summer Youth Employment Program

ST. CROIX — The Department of Labor on Wednesday announced that it has begun accepting and processing Summer Youth Employment applications for the 2016 Summer Youth Work Experience and Training Program. According to the release, all “in and out of school” youth ages 14 to 25 are invited to register for approximately 720 available slots.

The St. Thomas-St. John district application is here, and the St. Croix district application can be downloaded here. Application forms can also be picked up at any of the D.O.L. office locations on St. Croix and St. Thomas. St. John residents may pick up registration forms at the St. John Administrator’s Office. A summer employment fact sheet is also available online, providing additional information for participants and parents.

The summer jobs priority will be applied to the following individuals:

• Those who have not previously participated in a work experience.
• High school juniors and seniors.
• Out-of-school/unemployed and dislocated youth.

Youths under the age of 18 should be accompanied by a parent/guardian to sign authorization for participation in the program, D.O.L. said. All applicants should be prepared to provide a) proof of their educational and legal residency status; b) proof of enrollment in college, high school, c) evidence of a social security card; d) photo ID; and copy of a resume if available.

For more information, email D.O.L. at [email protected] or contact Shenika Sebastien in St. Thomas at (340)776-3700 ext. 2080, or Kendra Young in St. Croix at (340-773-1994 x 2145.

In a separate press release, D.O.L. invited employers, nonprofit organizations and training service providers to participate in this year’s Summer Youth Work Experience and Training Program.

The department is seeking the following:

• Employers and agencies that are interested in providing a six-week work experience and job training activities program for youths ages 16-24.
• Service providers and organizations interested in providing life skills and career exploration activities for youths ages 14-15 (Programs should run for no more than four weeks. Mini-grants of up to $4,800 are available for qualified providers).

According to the release, to participate in this year’s program, interested employers and organizations can obtain a “Request For Summer Youth Work Experience Program Participation” and “Summer Youth Workshop Application” by contacting D.O.L offices in St. Thomas at 340-776-3700 x2061 or 340-773-1994 x2145 in St. Croix, or by visiting the department’s website and clicking on the forms tab. Applications can also be picked up at the department’s St. Thomas or St. Croix locations. Deadline to apply is May 20th.