LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) - The city of Lima is kicking off the fifth year of its GenNext youth employment program.
Friday's session focused on pre-employment training for young adults participating in the program, which helps develop Lima's future workforce. GenNext partners with local businesses and organizations to give participants ages 16 to 24 hands-on work experience throughout the summer. City officials said the program helps connect young people with career paths that match their interests while also building workplace skills.
"It's getting them out there with employers of their career interest, and then it lets them decide what they want to do in their future. Do you want to go to college and do something with nursing because they worked in the health care field, or maybe become a doctor or ultrasound technician? It gets them placed in position to branch off and do what they want to do," said Jacalyn Owens, human resources administrator for the city of Lima.
The eight-week program encourages employers to provide participants with about 20 hours of work each week. Owens said several participants from past years have gone on to receive permanent job offers. Employers interested in partnering with the program can contact Owens at 419-221-5222 or by email at jacalyn.owens@limaohio.gov.
