Teens get paid job experience at youth center’s new market in Santa Maria
SANTA MARIA, Calif. - Teens are getting paid to learn new jobs skills at the new McClelland Street Cafe in Santa Maria.
“I am very excited because work here is very good … I have the best coworkers … and I
just have a good time working and I enjoy it a lot," said participant Mismarck Medina of the Job Exploration Program.
The high school students are learning skills like cashiering, cooking and retail.
"Yes it’s actually worth it and we actually get a couple of money too … they
actually pay pretty good here and … they actually get pretty clear
instructions to you," said participant Angel Ramirez of the Job Exploration Program.
Another advantage to working at the care is participants who complete the program get a food handler's
certificate.
"We’re halfway through the program so now that they’ve completed all the
training … now we are moving on to just them exercising what they have
learned … executing those skills … and we hope they can put them to use in
the future employment,” said coordinator David Rodriguez of the Mayor's Task Force on Youth Safety.
The program was created in partnership with the Santa Maria Rec and Parks
Department and the Mayor's Task Force on Youth Safety.
“This job means a lot to me … it adds a lot to my life it’s taught me so
much about and all that it’s really good experience,“ said participant Justin Jacobs of the Job Exploration Program.
If you weren’t able to participate in this session, not to worry.
There will be another opportunity coming up in January.
"We had a cohort of five students for 12 weeks program … we will repeat the
program in January … because it’s been a great success," said Rodriguez.
"When I go to interview to another job they actually … I could actually put
this job into the description … and they’re going to call my supervisor …
and he’s gonna explain how good I was," said Ramirez.
The program takes place weekdays from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m.
For more information on how to apply for the next session, contact the Recreation and Parks Department at 805-925-0951, ext. 2260.
The Abel Maldonado Community Youth Center and the McClelland Street Market are located at 600 S. McClelland St.
