Macon-Bibb County is partnering with the WorkSource Middle Georgia Consortium to help local students and young adults explore career opportunities through a new initiative: the Mayor’s Office of Youth Employment and Engagement (M.O.Y.E.E.). The program is funded by Macon-Bibb, WorkSource, and a $50,000 grant from the Griffith Foundation. Through the program, 32 young people will be provided job and employment training, a six-week paid internship, and chance to apply for permanent employment.
Through the M.O.Y.E.E., young people ages 16-24 will have a six-week internship and gain hands-on experience and exposure to a variety of career paths throughout Macon-Bibb. Participants younger than 20 will work 20 hours a week, and those 18-24 will work 25 hours a week. Businesses and organizations include local businesses, government departments, and other industries. A list of participating organizations is below.
“We are truly working to lift people up and prepare them for a successful career in our community,” said Mayor Lester Miller. “No matter their interest, we want to make sure people have the skills and opportunities to get ahead in life and create a stronger future for their families and neighborhoods.”
Each participant went through an application and interview process before being matched with an organization based on their interests and results from a career assessment. Those invited to apply initially were identified by local clergy members in the community as people who have a skillset and drive to be successful but just needed the chance to shine. The clergy members will also serve as mentors to the participants throughout the internship, checking in with them regularly to see how they are doing and providing additional guidance.
“We wanted this program to have the greatest impact in our neighborhoods, so we worked with our local clergy – those who know our families and children the best – to help find the young people that would most benefits,” said Macon-Bibb County Community Affairs Executive Director Dr. Henry Ficklin. “With us working together to open the doors for these young people – and giving them the tools to succeed – we have the chance to change the future for entire families.”
Last week, June 3-5, WorkSource Georgia provided a three-day training to help prepare the participants for the internship and potential future employment. After the training, they got a chance to take tours of YKK AP and United Defense.
“In talking with local businesses and industries, they expressed a need for new hires and even applicants to have more training in soft skills like interviewing, financial management, and more,” said Howard Scott, Business Services Specialist with the WorkSource Middle Georgia Consortium.
Following the internship, participants who have performed well in the program will have the opportunity to interview for open positions and full-time employment with their organization.
“This partnership is a great opportunity for the Industrial Authority to support our existing and growing industries, as well as directly help the future of our families and neighborhoods,” said Stephen Adams, Executive Director of the Macon-Bibb County Industrial Authority. “Thanks to the work of our Board and partners, Macon-Bibb has continued to attract major private investment that is creating thousands of new jobs, and now those same partnerships are working together to make those jobs attainable to the people who live in our community.”
M.O.Y.E.E. Partner List
Atrium Health Navicent
Scott’s Pharmacy
Cirrus Academy
Daily Grace Nursing Adult Care Center
YKK AP
United Defense
Sheridan Construction
Stafford Builders
Macon-Bibb County Recreation Department
Legends Fitness Center
Macon-Bibb County Fire Department
Bibb County Coroner’s Office
Georgia Artisin, Inc.
Macon Water Authority