When youth lack the basic “soft skills” to engage effectively in the workplace, businesses face a costly and time consuming training and assimilation process. When the Southern Colorado Business Partnership hosted a summit for area business leaders to better understand critical issues that impede business growth, the challenge presented by incorporating entry level youth into organizations became evident. The lack of basic “soft skills” needed to engage effectively in the workforce was distancing employers and job-seekers alike. 

Having identified this as a primary employer concern throughout the region, the SCBP developed an innovative program to address the problem. The SCBP’s Engaging Youth Program (EYP) was created specifically to help youngsters understand the importance of showing up for work on time, suitable work place dress, proper communication, dealing with customers and the ability to “socialize” appropriately within the workforce.

The next Engaging Youth Program Boot Camp begins on Saturday, March 16 at the UCCS campus, with wrap up and graduation on Wednesday, April 24. The sixteen hour internships must be completed between those two dates; however all internship sponsors must be confirmed by February 22.

Employers in El Paso and Teller counties are needed to make this program a success – and you are vital to the solution. Become an Engaging Youth mentor by sponsoring a 16-hour internship through your small investment of $175 toward a better workforce. For more information on how to take part, contact SCBP Executive Director Randy Scott at 719-213-3923 / rlscottconsult@gmail.com. Deadline for businesses to sign up is February 22, 2013.

The Southern Colorado Business Partnership is an organization comprised of multiple community partners working collectively in the pursuit of regional economic betterment with a shared voice, mission and focus. The group has followed an aggressive timeline for development, collaboration and action.