Last July we posted a blog about what was going on in the AMS Learning Center as 28 young students were learning basic work ethics and Fulfillment Industry skillsets. It was a summer leadership and career readiness pilot program, organized by S.T.R.E.A.M. Global Innovations (SGI) in cooperation with Goodwill Industries and AMS Fulfillment.
In January the team that had put the program together; Ken Wiseman of AMS, Lisa Michelle of Goodwill So. Cal. and Nikia Richards of S.T.R.E.A.M. presented a workshop at the annual California Workforce Association (CWA) Conference, Youth@Work.
Their workshop was entitled “Match Making – Bringing Youth and Employers Together”. Nikia Richards presented the experience of S.T.R.E.A.M., where the focus was on listening to both employers and students, ascertaining the needs and then designing a solution.
Lisa Michelle presented details of the role of Santa Clarita America’s Job Center operated by Goodwill Southern California, and the responsibility for recruiting the youth and matching them with a program, and compensating them. About the presentation Ms. Michelle said, “AMS exemplifies to the community and other businesses the vital role of an employer. We were thrilled to showcase our best practice model at the CWA conference.”
At the conference Ken Wiseman spoke about the experience of AMS in hosting the students, and how inclusion and placement changes lives. He said, “I couldn’t believe the transformation of these youth from the time they started the program struggling to see direction in their lives to the graduation where I saw inspired, motivated and energized young men and women. AMS was proud to be a part of the S.T.R.E.A.M. Summer program.“
The CWA Youth@Work Conference, this year entitled “Architects of the Future”, was attended by young adults and organizations that provide education, training or other employment services to young adults. The entire conference featured 48 workshop sessions and over 100 presenters, and took place from January 14 through 16 at the Doubletree by Hilton in San Jose.
Thank you to Ken Wiseman and the team for a great program, and job well done.