DVIDS – News – Military teenagers benefit from job preparation workshop

By SHAWNA MACIAS
Public Affairs Intern

FORT JOHNSON, La. — The Teen Job Ready workshop was held at Army Community Service the first three Saturdays in April. Each Saturday a different topic was covered, important for teaching teens the skills they need when entering the workforce.
April is also the month of the military child. It’s a time to celebrate everything about military children, including what they go through and the strength they gain from the challenges they face.
Stacey Delgado, head of the job readiness program, noticed that the month typically focuses on much younger children. She thought there should be events and opportunities geared toward teens. That’s why she launched a free workshop to highlight key job readiness skills that taught them things like how to complete an application, soft skills that would be an asset to employers and even how conduct an interview correctly.
Several Fort Johnson teens took advantage of the opportunity to learn these life skills and give themselves an edge in the job market.

Students entered the ACS classroom on April 20, their last day of classes, ready to participate in a mock interview.
Delgado began the class by explaining the difference between a resume and an application, the latter being a required legal document. As students filled out their own applications, they asked questions ranging from what a shift is to who they could cite as a reference.
Hunter Kirby, a 14-year-old who attended the workshop with his brother, said he thought the class was important.
“I came because I want to find a job and I need a CV. My CV is important.
In addition to advice on his resume, Kirby said the course also taught him what to say to future employers, tips on how to get a job and other knowledge he found valuable.
He gave the course a ten out of ten and hopes what he learned will help him find employment as he begins looking for work beyond the gates of Fort Johnson.
Mike Bell, on-site coordinator for Collier Investments, a franchise of Manpower, helped conduct the mock interviews.
“Helping people get hired is my passion,” Bell said.
As the students sat down with him to begin an interview, Bell asked about their applications and rated them on things like good posture and a firm handshake.
A student received advice on how to access jobs with accommodations for people with disabilities.
“You have rights as an employee and employers aren’t allowed to ask certain questions, but you may accidentally provide information if you don’t know better,” Bell said.
Delgado did a mock interview with Shanti Flores, who hopes to become a Red Cross volunteer.
Flores said she started the workshop with basic knowledge, but the classes helped her better understand how to better find a job.
“She (Delgado) guided me and taught me things I didn’t know. I’m excited to hear about the volunteer opportunities I applied for,” Flores said.
As her mock interview continued, she answered questions with ease and Delgado said she was proud of her attentiveness.
“Why should I hire you?” » asked Delgado.
Flores responded, as she would be a great addition to the job.
“You understand,” Delgado said. “I’m really excited. You’re doing a fantastic job!”
At the end of the interview, Flores was informed that she “got the job.”
Antonio Hudge Jr., another student, said the class was a great idea and he was glad he came.
“I’m going to approach the interviews with confidence,” Hudge said. “The mock interview gave me a great experience.”
Students received certificates for their hard work and dedication to the workshop.
Many said the information they learned boosted their self-esteem and motivated them to seek employment immediately.
For more information on other ACS job preparation courses, call 337-531-1941.