How do I start?
What are the goals of this program?
I haven't finished high school. Can I still apply?
But what if I don't really know what I want to do yet? Can the program help me decide?
What happens when I join the team?
Obstacles? We can help.
How do I start?
First things first! You must register with the WorkForce WV Center nearest you. You will be greeted by a Case Manager who will lead you through the process of determining if the Youth Advantage Program will meet your needs. You will need to bring your identification and other documentation that is asked for when you call the WorkForce WV Center.
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What are the goals of this program?
Our main goal is to provide you with the skills that will help you overcome the roadblocks that may stand in your way. Along with skills you will develop a strong work ethic, an involvement in your community and valuable leadership opportunities.
Learn about yourself. Find YOUR passion. Develop the skills necessary for you to pursue what YOU want to do....to be able to compete for that job or career you desire. Make a bright future for yourself. We can help.
Our programs are designed to meet YOUR individual needs. Once you're on the Youth Advantage team, experts will work with you on creating a road map toward achieving your individual goals. This is called an Individual Service Strategy (ISS) plan. Your strengths and weaknesses will be determined, which will allow each program specialist to serve you in the most effective way possible.
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I haven't finished high school. Can I still apply?
In today's society, education is where it begins. If you haven't completed high school, that is where you will begin, either by graduating from high school or by passing your GED exam.
If you have graduated from high school or received your GED and your plan includes college or technical training, we can help! Occupational training dollars can be available to help you achieve your goals.
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But what if I don't really know what I want to do yet? Can the program help me decide?
Say you want to be a carpenter. Your plan could include either observing a professional builder on the job ("shadowing") or On-the-Job Training, where you will actually have a hammer in your hand, building something and getting paid for it. This is just one example of the many options made available to you. We've done the work to eliminate excuses as to why youth cannot get ahead in life. We will assist you through the many barriers that are tough to overcome. No matter what your strength, no matter what your goal, we will create as many real life experiences for you as possible.
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What happens when I join the team?
You will be matched with people who have been in your shoes and are committed to helping you achieve your dreams. As you progress and grow through each phase of the program, staff and partners will progress and grow with you. Together, we will face those obstacles and overcome life's many challenges.
Even after you complete the program and have realized your goals, the team will ensure that you do not fall through the cracks. Follow-up is crucial. Staff will do all they can to make sure you continue to succeed.
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Obstacles? We can help.
We can help you find needed funds for childcare. We can also provide tools and equipment needed for training. Additional dollars are available for expenses, such as a food handler's license, CPR training and transportation to and from your training.
Join Youth Advantage and be a part of an exciting future, filled with a young, strong and competent West Virginia workforce.
Please Note: The goal of Youth Advantage, WorkForce WV and the Workforce Investment Board is to get the best possible employment/education for everyone who lives in the nine counties of our region. Therefore, priority will be given to residents of our region.
WE MADE IT THROUGH. SO CAN YOU.
James "Travis" Layne writes:
"The Youth Advantage Program has given me a golden opportunity for a successful life. When I was 16, I quit school and a couple of years later a friend told me about the program. It started me out by me getting my GED for free, and it's paying my way through school. I am currently attending WVU-P. In August, I will be on my way to Marshall University with a scholarship. I think I will be majoring in Chemical Engineering. Since I started with the Youth Advantage Program, my life has gotten back on the right track."
Matt Forter writes:
"The Youth Advantage Program is the best program I've been to. The supervisors are great. I can't say enough good things about them. They've gotten me off probation and into college. The program is better than any public school I went to."
Your Future is One Call Away!
1-866-420-4531
