News from the Somerset County Board of County Commissioners
Shanel Y. Robinson, Commissioner Director Ÿ Doug Singleterry, Commissioner Deputy Director
Sara Sooy, Commissioner Ÿ Melonie Marano, Commissioner Ÿ Paul M. Drake, Commissioner
March 23, 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Summer Youth Employment Program Returns in Hunterdon and Somerset Counties
Program Needs Employers and Employees
The Greater Raritan Workforce Development Board (GRWDB) is sponsoring a Summer Youth Employment Program in Hunterdon and Somerset counties. The youth program needs employers to help provide paid work experiences for up to 80 young people in both counties as well as candidates to fill those positions. The program will run from
June 5 to Oct. 30.
This marks the fourth consecutive year that the GRWDB is sponsoring a Summer Youth Employment Program with funding from the New Jersey Department of Labor. In 2022, 56 youth worked for 24 different employers as a result of the program. Based on that success, the GRWDB has received a state grant of $193,500 for 60 positions; using American Rescue Plan funding, Somerset County is allocating funding for an additional 20 positions, enabling up to 80 youth to get paid work this summer.
“We have reached out directly to employers, schools and everyone else we can think of to share news about this opportunity,” said Jeanne Cassano the GRWDB’s job developer and coordinator for the GRWDB Summer Youth Employment Program. “We realize the applications are detailed, but we are ready to answer your questions and provide whatever assistance we can. We want all youth participants and employers to benefit from this program.”
Employers, Deadline April 21
Any private or public employer of any size in Hunterdon and Somerset counties with available part-time positions can apply to the program. Employer applicants can be from any industry including municipalities that need to fill summer recreational positions, and area nonprofits looking for office assistance are also welcome to apply. Job opportunities can include outdoor employment or on-site work but must comply with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s) guidelines.
The employer Request for Applications (RFAs) for the program, which include the job description form for the position, can be found on Somerset County’s Purchasing Division website, at https://bit.ly/3Ty0SMJ. The deadline for applications is April 21.
“We are excited to be able to offer this program to young people in our two counties for a fourth year,” said Cassano. “We know this program offers a valuable introduction to career pathways and good work habits. It also can lead to other opportunities. Five participants last year continued to work with their employer after the summer ended.”
Youth Employment, Deadline April 28
Virtual weekly workforce readiness training will be overseen by GRWDB staff. The youth participant’s stipend will be $15.00 an hour for 25 hours per week for their eight-week internship/work experience. That means each program participant will earn $3,000.
As employer applications are being submitted, the GRWDB is accepting separate applications from eligible in-school or out-of-school youth who must live in Hunterdon or Somerset counties and be 16 to 24 years of age. The program aims to place 80 youth from the two counties who will be matched with available positions. To obtain an application, visit the home page www.thegrwdb.org or use this link. The deadline to return material is April 28.
Each participant will work 25 hours per week over any eight-week period. Of that weekly total, 21 hours will be for the employers; the other four hours per week will be spent on specially-designed career readiness training using the SkillUp Greater Raritan online learning portal.
Anyone with questions can contact Jeanne Cassano at jcassano@co.somerset.nj.us or call 908-541-5785.
The Greater Raritan Workforce Development Board (GRWDB)
The GRWDB oversees federally and state-funded career and employment services for businesses and residents in Hunterdon and Somerset counties. Weekly text alerts highlight career and job opportunities in Somerset and Hunterdon counties. Text “onestop” to 565-12 to sign up.
Questions? Contact GRWDB Board Director Paul Grzella at grzella@co.somerset.nj.us, or 908-203-6044.
# # #