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Teens can get summers jobs through program

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By Ryan Cook, Staff Writer 2:44 PM Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Finding employment can be difficult for anyone, but for those without experience, it can be even harder.

After being absent for 10 years, Workforce One in Warren County revived its summer youth program, which puts teens to work around the county at businesses and organizations. Because the program is funded by money from the state, the businesses where the students work – for 40 hours per week at $8 per hour – do not pay them.

Workforce One director Karen Whittamore said the prospective employers often think there is some kind of catch when they are contacted about allowing students to work for them at no cost.

Whittamore said the situation is a win-win all around, as employers get help they might not otherwise be able to afford, and students gain work experience.

“We’re creating a valuable work force of kids with experience,” Whittamore said.

There are 80 students working at 30 sites around the county, according to Matt Fetty, one of the site supervisors for the program. They hope to put 40-60 more students to work, but they need more locations.

Several students are working at Armco Park, painting and revitalizing the area now that the county has ownership of the park.

Corbin Russell, 17, of Mason said his dad told him about the program so he signed up.

“We do work hard,” he said.

Russell spent last summer working at Kings Island, but said he likes the structured schedule the county provides. He also said he is learning to budget his money better because he is paid bi-weekly.

Working along side Russell is 18-year-old Bryan Purifoy, of Middletown, who said this is his first job and he is learning a lot about his future.

After helping to prepare the park for Saturday’s July 4 festivities, the young men will also be working during the event.

Other work sites include local school districts, Serenity Horse Rescue, Harlan Twp. Fire Department, Warren County emergency and community services, local libraries and the village of Waynesville.

“We are thrilled to have several extra pairs of hands to help maintain Main Street,” said Dawn Schroeder, executive director of the Waynesville Area Chamber of Commerce. “They are helping us where we simply don’t have the hands or volunteers to address some of the needs.”

To be eligible for the summer youth program, students must be between 14-24 and either apply or are referred, often by school guidance counselors, and then go through a typical interview and hiring process. There is an income eligibility requirement, as well as several other factors, such as barriers that could prevent students from otherwise obtaining employment, Fetty said.

For more information, contact Fetty at (513) 748-2069, or program coordinator Tom Duffy at (513) 748-2097.

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