Youth Exploration Program

 

In partnership with the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR), our Youth Exploration Program introduces youth to living wage career opportunities in the construction industry. Our program offers career-readiness, soft skills training, and paid hands-on technical learning, which is our summer boot camp. Requirements for these programs include having an IEP and/or 504 plan or documented disability.

See our YEP Fact Sheet

The Youth Exploration Program is designed to introduce career exploration to in-school youth ages 14-21 with an IEP or 504 Plan to apprentice-able pathways in the trades.

The program consists of:

  • Work-Readiness Classroom Workshops: Held virtually or in-person during the school year
  • Summer Boot Camps: Work-based learning, 40-hour paid training
  • Exploring Trades Careers: Through job site tours, informational interviews, and job shadowing, when available
  • Strength Building: How to support ones needs while practicing self-advocacy, workplace communication, and team building

Our goal is to provide interest into ANEW’s Trades Rotation Program (TRP) and the Pre-Apprenticeship Construction Education (PACE) Program which are our pre-apprenticeship training programs for those interested in pursuing occupations in the construction trades. These 12-week programs give womxn and men the confidence and competitive edge needed to enter apprenticeship programs and high-paying construction careers. For information about our pre-apprenticeship programs, visit our Pre-Apprenticeship Training page.

Meet the Youth Exploration Program Team

Maurcrei Thibodeaux

Maurcrei Thibodeaux

YEP CTE Instructor

Em Barraza

Em Barraza

YEP CTE Instructor

Olivia DeFay

Olivia DeFay

Service Provider

Jazz Russell

Jazz Russell

Service Provider

This opportunity is made possible by the DSHS Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Program. ANEW is a nonprofit organization that offers youth programs statewide and is not part of the public school or school district and/or or affiliated with the educational system.  

For more information about the Youth Exploration Program, please contact:

Dee Jackson, Director of Programs
dee@anewcareer.org
206-710-1004