Submitted by CMJTS
Monticello and St. Michael Albertville High Schools received a grant where Central MN Jobs & Training (CMJTS) provided funding for students to learn and practice work skills during the summer.
The goal was to help transition youth into successful participants in the work world and develop individual needs for independence.
The students came to work/instruction for 6.5 hours a day and were paid by CMJTS – RFP grant at minimum wage. Students received three hours of functional academic instruction per day revolving around employment related knowledge and also participated in three hours of work training or tours of community resources.
STMA and Monticello students participated in four community outings together including speakers and tours from the Sheriff’s Department, Monticello Clinic, Corner Stone Village/Albertville Meadows, and Maple Grove Transit.
Other jobs within their respective communities were at the Senior Centers, Cities of St. Michael and Monticello, Lake Mariah, and within their high schools helping with custodial or technician jobs.
Some of the things the students themselves said they learned were:
- Figuring out which jobs they liked/didn’t like
- Budgeting
- Trying new things
- Working is hard
- Different jobs have specific skills attached to them
- Time management
- Soft skills
- Cooperation and teamwork is a big part of working
- Patience
- Have a good attitude
- Pay attention to details
- Taxes, insurance, credit