City Hosts 2023 Job and Career Readiness Training for Local Youth

Published on October 13, 2023

Students attending the 2023 Job and Career Readiness Training

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Sept. 30, 2023) – More than 1,700 area youth are attending the City of Charlotte’s annual Job and Career Readiness Training (JCRT). This program provides essential skills and learning that help youth learn how to navigate a work environment. Area businesses recognize the JCRT as a tool that helps youth skill-up and prepare for the workplace. 

Students will attend a general session that will focus on essential business skills like emotional intelligence, time management, effective communications, financial literacy and more.  

Breakout sessions include a resume writing workshop, hosted and led by Bank of America, an interview preparation experience and role play, and other informational sessions on essential skills.

The JCRT takes place Oct. 9-13 at the Charlotte Convention Center, and then on Saturday, Oct. 14 and Saturday, Oct. 21 at the Main Campus of Central Piedmont Community College.

All 31 Charlotte-Mecklenburg high schools will be present, making it one of the largest career trainings for youth in the metro area. The JCRT is open to all eligible high school-aged and older youth who reside in the City of Charlotte.

This training is the first required step an interested student must take to be eligible for the Mayor's Youth Employment Program (MYEP). The MYEP is the largest producer of paid immersive summer work experiences for students in the Charlotte-Metro region. Last year, 300+ youth worked over 45,000 hours, earning more than $524,000 as a cohort. In addition, more than 40 students were offered extended work experiences, including full-time positions. 96% of youth who participated in the 2022-2023 JCRT and MYEP programs felt confident in their ability to use networking strategies, successfully prepare for a job interview, and communicate effectively in the workplace.