If you're a young person in Northeast Minnesota, spending some time planning ahead will ensure you end up working in a field you really enjoy. Although many people fail to actually plan for their career, all would tell you they wish they had some career guidance when they still had the chance to make different choices.
The Office of Job Training specializes in helping young people figure out how they want to spend their working years. The average person working full time spends over 80,000 hours over a lifetime at work, so planning now for something you'll enjoy is important. Career Counselors can help you identify your true interest and abilities and even assess your personality to determine what occupation or career best suits you. After you figure out what careers you're interested in, counselors can help you find training programs and access financial aid. For eligible youth, the Office of Job Training can also fund occupational training programs up to two years long.
There's never been a better time to plan for a career, especially if you're interested in sticking around the Northland. There will be more than 75,000 job openings in Northeast Minnesota in the next ten years in some very well-paid careers. Check out www.thenorthlandworks.org for more information. Take advantage of this unique time of life where the decisions you make now can mean the difference between an enjoyable working existence and a depressing one.
The Office of Job Training also administers summer and year-round employment programs geared to help young people ages 14 through 21 enter "earn and learn" job situations. Summer jobs provide a paycheck for eight weeks and entry-level training in a variety of occupations at non-profit, educational, and other community-oriented worksites. The programs take special care with youth who have a strong likelihood of leaving school due to problems with teen parenting, homelessness, runaway situations, juvenile offenses, chemical dependency, disabilities, economic hardships, English language deficiency, or a difficult family life. The programs are designed to help you complete high school, move on to post-secondary education, and/or transition to work. Our counselors mentor young students, identify problems, and encourage you to develop personal goals for continued education and job preparation. Often, placement into appropriate part time employment strengthens the relationship between school studies and work.
Contact us to either find a counselor near you to help plan for your future or to find out if you're eligible for tuition assistance or support services.