Charlotte's youth is set to gain important workplace skills as the City's Job and Career Readiness Training (JCRT) kicks off its annual session designed to train 1,500 participants aged 16-24. The program, running from October 7 to 28 in local schools, is aimed at equipping young people with the know-how to successfully navigate the professional environment. According to the City of Charlotte, JCRT has been recognized by area businesses as a crucial resource for workforce development.
The training is comprehensive, covering topics such as job readiness, interview preparation, and essential skills including emotional intelligence, time management, effective communication, and financial literacy. The City has undertaken to provide these sessions free of charge. As per the feedback from the 2022-2023 JCRT/MYEP programs, an overwhelming 96% of youth reported a significant increase in confidence in key areas such as networking and interview prep.
Adding to the training lineup, Bank of America's Workforce Development arm has partnered to host resume writing workshops, aiming to help participants create compelling resumes and envision their potential career paths. This partnership strategically bridges JCRT's hands-on training with practical tools and workshops, enhancing students' job search skills and prospects for employment.
One student, Kory, from East Mecklenburg High School described the JCRT experience positively, stating, “I hope to build my resume, of course, but also to interact with future employers and just to network—just build relationships with other people and open doors that may have been closed.” This sentiment echoes the larger goal of JCRT, which is to not just provide knowledge, but also to foster invaluable industry connections.
This year's training is pivotal for those seeking to join the Mayor’s Youth Employment Program (MYEP), which offers paid summer work opportunities in the local area. With almost two decades of partnership, Bank of America has been instrumental in hiring many MYEP graduates. In a statement obtained by the City of Charlotte, President Kieth Cockrell of Bank of America urged participants to "Dream a big dream. Dare to be great," highlighting the expansive vision behind this initiative. Through collaborative efforts such as the JCRT, both the City of Charlotte and its corporate partners continue to pave opportunities for its young citizens to succeed in their future careers.
