Vero Beach, FL (June 24, 2022)… In October 2021, Joseph Harrington was working for Door Dash in Vero Beach. He had just become a father at age 22 and was desperately searching for a more stable job.
“I was a wreck in high school,” Joseph said. “I didn’t think I was going to turn myself around.”
When Joseph discovered that Youth Guidance Mentoring Academy was offering a free pre-apprenticeship program, he immediately enrolled. The decision changed his life.
Throughout the eight-month pre-apprenticeship, Joseph demonstrated near-perfect attendance. He received six professional certifications and developed the skills needed to begin a career in the trade sector. He learned how to drive a forklift, wire an electrical outlet, use power tools, and much more.
“I realized how important education and safety is with the help of the pre-apprenticeship program,” Joseph said. “I would like to thank my instructor, Mr. Jimmie, for helping me reach my goals and exceed my own expectations. He is the most inspiring and helpful teacher I’ve ever had.”
On May 27th, less than one month after finishing the pre-apprenticeship, Joseph accepted a job as an apprentice electrician with Casano Electric in Vero Beach. Joseph is enjoying his new career and is working hard to support his family.
“Joseph is already ahead of where other apprentices started in the past,” said Kathryn Casano-Radecke, Vice President of Casano Electric. “I think the pre-apprenticeship is valuable because it teaches individuals the trade basics and an understanding of tools.”
The Youth Guidance pre-apprenticeship program is the first of its kind in Indian River County. Over eight months, students learn five trades: Welding, plumbing, carpentry, HVAC, and electric.
Students finish the program with up to six professional certifications, including the OSHA certificate, First Aid and CPR certificate, High Reach Safety certificate, Forklift Safety Training certificate, National Center for Construction Education Research certificate (NCCER), and the Florida Department of Education Pre-Apprenticeship Completion certificate.
Last year, the Youth Guidance pre-apprenticeship was made possible by donations from Impact 100, the Bank of America Charitable Foundation, the Indian River Community Foundation, and individual donors.
Youth Guidance partnered with several organizations to facilitate the pre-apprenticeship. Salvation Army provided classroom space, the Indian River County School District and Treasure Coast Technical College referred students to the program, and Florida Training Services provided the instructor and curriculum. Florida Training Services has over 45 years of experience implementing registered apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships throughout the state of Florida.
From October 2021 to May 2022, the Youth Guidance pre-apprenticeship served 15 teenagers and young adults ages 16-24. Four of those students, including Joseph, are currently holding jobs within the trades. Youth Guidance is partnering with local businesses to find employment opportunities for the remainder of the first graduating class.
The pre-apprenticeship will start again in Fall 2022 in partnership with the Indian River County School District. Youth Guidance anticipates serving 25 students in the pre-apprenticeship this coming year.
“We are tremendously grateful for all the support from the community for our pre-apprenticeship and workforce development programs,” said Phil Barnes, Executive Director of Youth Guidance Mentoring Academy. “We want to encourage our children to attend college if that is what they want to do. But we also want to make sure we introduce them to other opportunities that are in-demand and lead to lucrative careers, particularly within the trades.”
Youth Guidance Mentoring Academy is dedicated to enriching the lives of Indian River County youth through mentoring relationships that inspire trust, self-esteem, and positive futures. Founded in 1973, Youth Guidance provides daily meals as well as one-on-one and group mentoring programs to children and young adults ages 5-24 with limited resources.
After school, students complete their homework under the supervision of trained Youth Guidance staff. Then they participate in group mentoring programs that include vocational training, life skills, and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math). All programs and meals are provided free of charge thanks to the generosity of the local community.
If you are interested in learning more about Youth Guidance Mentoring Academy or making a donation, please call (772) 492-3933, or visit www.youthguidanceprogram.org.
