RPC Helping Young Adults Get Paid While Learning about New Career Options

How’s this for a great way to start 2024? Young adults in Champaign, Douglas, Ford, Iroquois, and Piatt Counties are getting the opportunity to learn about career options—while also getting paid.

Through the RPC’s Youth Work Experience program, eligible individuals between 18-24 can learn hands-on skills from local employers while gaining valuable insight into career pathways. This work experience opportunity is available through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, a federal grant that the RPC administers on behalf of five counties in East Central Illinois.

The Youth Work Experience program helps individuals overcome any barriers to employment. These barriers include having dropped out of high school; having been subject to the adult or juvenile justice system; having been homeless, runaways, or foster children; being pregnant or parenting; being disabled; earning a low income; or being a SNAP recipient.

“We have a variety of employers who are excited to be a part of this program,” says Maureen Fuller, a Career Coach in the RPC’s Workforce Development division. “We are looking forward to helping young adults with diverse interests match with a rewarding experience.”

Some of the featured industries that are part of the program include Ag Tech, Business Services, Construction, Healthcare, Logistics, and Manufacturing. Employer partners include Carle, City of Champaign, Village of Savoy, Urbana Parks & Rec, Head Start, Awesome Machines, City of Arcola, American Family Insurance in Tuscola, Cimtek, Iroquois Memorial Hospital, and Birkey’s Farm Store.

Young adults throughout our five-county service are encouraged to apply for Youth Work Experience and see what the future holds for them in a number of growing industries.