The United States Army

11/05/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 11/05/2024 20:39

Teen workforce program offers local youth chance to build professional experience, boost life skills

[Link] Military community teens are invited to apply for a 12-week work experience program coordinated through the youth center here. The Teen Workforce Preparation Job Fair will be held in the center Nov. 7 and 8 from 3 to 5:30 p.m.
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CAMP ZAMA, Japan - Military community teens are invited to apply for a 12-week work experience program coordinated through the youth center here.

The Teen Workforce Preparation Job Fair will be held in the center Nov. 7 and 8 from 3 to 5:30 p.m.

The program is aimed at teens from 16 to 18 years old who currently fall under the Status of Forces Agreement, or SOFA

Teen Center staffers will assist those applying for the positions, which will pay $15 an hour for the length of the 12-week program.

Youth Center Director Fathima Ismail said there are many reasons for teens to consider applying.

The program "equips teens with resilience and life skills they need to thrive in both their personal and professional lives," she said.

She added that the experience gained from working in a structured and supervised environment will provide teens with lifelong skills such as communication and organization, and the program is centered on building those essential skills for first-time employees.

Ismail said work duties will include typical youth center activities such as greeting customers, filing paperwork, preparing labels, operating copy machines, and organizing office supplies.

Teens hired in the program might also work for Youth Sports and Fitness events, gaining experience in preparing recreational areas for sports or other games and events, or serving as a scorekeeper or game monitor.

Ismail said that teens who live overseas traditionally have a difficult time finding work opportunities off-base due to obstacles such as the language barrier or insufficient paperwork or qualifications.

She said ultimately, the teen center program offers a great chance to build professional work experience and even save up some money.

Teens interested in applying should stop by the youth center to pick up a job application packet and schedule an appointment time for an interview. The packet will need to be filled out and brought on the day of the appointment, along with a resume, a copy of sponsorship orders, two reference checks, a social security card, and a passport with SOFA stamp.