Youth & Young Adults

PA CareerLink® of Lancaster County young adult programs assist our youth in navigating the employment landscape.

Get started with the young adult program

The Young Adult Program serves young adults between the ages of 16-24 both in school and out-of-school and are residents of Lancaster County

The young adult programs at PA CareerLink® of Lancaster County prepare a new generation of workers for stable, meaningful careers through education and career readiness services. We offer supportive case management to assist in ensuring successful development of career path plans.  Our Paid Work Experience is for participants seeking to build their resume and enhance their employ-ability through valuable hands on experience in numerous industries. To get started with the Young Adult Program and hear what opportunities are available to you, please attend an Introduction to PA CareerLink® Services sessions or contact osyprogram@jobs4lancaster.com directly.

 

Young Adult Program

  • We provide Career Services to eligible young adults who have graduated high school, withdrawn from high school, or graduated or withdrawn from post-secondary education and are looking for assistance in defining their next steps. All services are free of charge and can include assisting in finding work or enrolling in post-secondary education.
  • You will develop an in-depth career path plan that may contain a variety of components including job shadowing, volunteering, interning, participating in the Paid Work Experience Program, interview prep, job search, college visits, and more. Assessments and standardized tests are utilized to gauge your work skills. You may also take WorkKeys® Assessments to earn an ACT® National Career Readiness Certificate, which certifies essential skills needed for the workplace.
  • You will have the opportunity to apply for up to $10,000 in training funds that will be used for state approved training programs through various training providers, including HACC and Thaddeus Stevens. Speak with the Young Adult Career Navigator to learn more!

Summer and Year-Round Paid Work Experience

  • The Paid Work Experience (PWE) Program is available to Lancaster County residents between the ages of 16-24, with priority going to individuals actively engaged in our young adult programming. Participants are given the opportunity to work with different businesses that represent a host of industries. PWEs are temporary positions at minimum of 300 total internship hours. We work with both participants and business partners to determine a schedule based on need and availability.
  • This program allows young adults to build their resume, try out different career areas, job shadow with some of the area’s leading employers, and earn money while doing it. Please reach out to paidworkexperience@jobs4lancaster.com for more information on how to apply.

We are looking for multiple Lancaster County work sites willing to make a difference in a young person’s life by providing valuable work experience with no financial commitment needed from the employer. If you think you may be interested, please, refer to the Paid Work Experience Information Sheet for more details and fill out your “Employer Contact” information below, or reach out directly to paidworkexperience@jobs4lancaster.com to get started.

 

Employer Contact

























High School Equivalency / GED

  • High School Equivalency/GED instruction by IU13 is provided free of charge to eligible young adults enrolled in the Out of School Young Adult Program who are interested in pursuing employment and/or post-secondary education once you obtain your GED. Classes are held in English during daytime hours at PA CareerLink® and assistance can include testing fees, materials, and supplies.
  • While enrolled in High School Equivalency classes with IU13, you work one-on-one with your Career Navigator and Job Developer, who assist you in creating and carrying out a detailed career plan.

School-Based Career Counselors

  • Career Counselors serve students ages 12 – graduation in various school districts.
  • Our goal is to ensure all juniors and seniors have established a clear career path plan after high school. For students, this will be accomplished through skill building, creating a career portfolio, and career exposure activities.
  • Career Counselors prioritize students who are unsure of their path after high school, and assist them in developing a plan related to the following:
    • Military
    • Entering the workforce
    • Technical School
    • College (2 year or 4 year)
    • Professional Certification
  • Students create individualized Career Portfolios that include Skills & Interest Assessments, a Career Path Plan, a professional resume and cover letter, and activities that give students a hands-on look at their career field of interest.