Supported by Arconic Foundation, the workforce readiness track will help prepare opportunity youth around the world for careers in the manufacturing industry
Building on its success in preparing young people for careers in modern, high-demand fields, YouthBuild USA is launching a dedicated manufacturing and logistics pathway to support the next generation of industry leaders.
As a core element of the YouthBuild model, opportunity youth — young adults between the ages of 16 and 24 who are neither in school nor employed — learn job skills in construction and other high-demand employment sectors such as healthcare, tourism and hospitality, retail and information technology. This dedicated effort will enable local YouthBuild programs to upskill young people for the manufacturing and logistics industries and provide them with industry-related credentials.
Through this pathway, manufacturing and logistics employers will be able to access a diverse, talented pipeline of young people who are committed to improving their lives and communities. As the support center for YouthBuild programs across the globe, YouthBuild USA will engage new and existing manufacturing and logistics partners to improve onboarding and retention of opportunity youth in positions with career advancement opportunities; map labor market needs; and support local YouthBuild programs in preparing opportunity youth for long-term professional and personal success through careers in manufacturing and logistics.
With initial support from Arconic Foundation, this targeted initiative will also foster a community of practice to share models for success among similar programs, manufacturing facilities, and logistical sites. YouthBuild USA will partner with YouthBuild programs located near manufacturing plants or logistics sites in urban, rural, and tribal communities to operationalize new partnerships. Shauna Donahue, a program management and business development professional, has been tapped to lead this effort on behalf of YouthBuild USA as its new senior manager of manufacturing and logistics. Donahue will serve as a liaison between employment partners and local programs, launching industry partnerships throughout the YouthBuild network.
“By deepening our commitment to preparing our young people for meaningful careers in manufacturing and logistics, we are providing a clear, tangible path for them to transform their lives, their communities, and our world,” said YouthBuild USA President and CEO John Valverde. “We are so grateful for partners like Arconic Foundation, who are exchanging innovative ideas and best practices, and working with us to make lifelong success a reality for our young people.”
“YouthBuild has empowered countless young people through their programs. We are proud to partner with them to support opportunity youth as they invest in themselves and their futures,” said Arconic Foundation President and Treasurer Ryan Kish. “With YouthBuild’s expertise and scale, we are confident that this new pathway will enable a new generation of young people to prepare for and secure rewarding careers in manufacturing.”
All young people who enter a YouthBuild program, anywhere in the world, pursue a dual mission: to create a meaningful and productive life for themselves and their families, while giving their best energies to improve the world around them. In YouthBuild programs, opportunity youth reclaim their education, gain job skills, and become leaders in their communities. With love and respect, YouthBuild partners with opportunity youth to build the skillsets and mindsets that lead to lifelong learning, livelihood, and leadership.
For more information about the manufacturing and logistics pathway, contact the YouthBuild USA Strategic Partnerships team at partnerships@youthbuild.org.
