Goodwill and the City of Charlotte have announced the kick-off of the 2009 Youth Job Connection, a service dedicated to providing job skill development and job search resources for Charlotte youth ages 14-18.

The Youth Job Connection serves both youth and employers in the community. Youth who participate in the program can access free job training and placement assistance, including resume writing, customer service and interview skills. The program provides a one-stop shop for area employers to access a job-ready, pre-screened pool of young adults eager to work.

Online registration for youth and employers with jobs is available now at www.youthjobconnection.com.  Walk-in services are available from 12-7 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 12-4:30 p.m. on Friday at Goodwill’s corporate office (2122 Freedom Drive).

“The Youth Job Connection will provide tools and information to assist Charlotte youth wanting to find employment,” said Goodwill President & CEO Michael Elder. “Whether through workshops or job placement assistance, we will work to prepare our youth to join the local workforce.”

The Youth Job Connection was developed from the desire of the Charlotte City Council and its community partners to commit more resources to youth employment. Started as a pilot last summer, it has been expanded to a year-round program after more than 2,000 youth registered for services.

"Providing job training and placement opportunities for our youth is vital to the long-term health of our community,” said Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory. “I urge the business community to extend a hand to provide opportunities and the experience necessary for youth to successfully join the workforce."

A new component of the Youth Job Connection is the inclusion of the Mayor’s Youth Employment Program (MYEP). The program provides high school seniors the opportunity to explore careers of their interest before graduation. As a participant in MYEP, youth will receive job mentoring, coaching and valuable hands-on experience.