YES Blog

Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast and Youth Employment Service merge to expand and enhance employment resources for Orange County youth and the corporate community

EXISTING EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR STEPPING DOWN , BOARD OF DIRECTORS PRESIDENT NAMED INTERIM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

It is common to feel nervous prior and during an interview. The best ways to calm nerves is to be prepared in every way possible. Below are steps to guide you on how to prepare for your interview. Questions to Ask When You Are Called for An Interview: Before your scheduled job interview, it’s good practice to confirm certain information. You can ensure professionalism from the start by asking the right questions. Please see below for a few commons one to ask that will help you be more prepared.

If you are just starting your career or a new job, exhibiting the right traits will help you increase your chance of success throughout your career. See the attributes below on how to make a great impression on your new employer!

One way YES is expanding their program is through the new Corporate Partner Program, in which a corporation generously hosts the YES workshops for youth from YES’ non-profit partners and provides corporate volunteers to conduct mock interviews. This February, Experian PLC, a consumer credit reporting agency, hosted a half-day event in which YES facilitated the Employment Skills workshop and mock interviews, utilizing Experian employee volunteers as mock interviewers. To start the day, youth from Orange County Community Housing Corporation (OCCHC), showing up dressed to impress, participated in an interactive workshop in which they learned the skills needed to feel confident in their abilities to search for and land a job. After a relaxing lunch break in the outdoor courtyard, the students participated in two mock interviews with Experian professionals who provided direct, individual feedback. After completing their interviews, students were taken on a tour of the Experian campus where they were shown the Technical Operations Center (TOC), the game room, and some of the areas in which their mock interviewers worked. Being able to experience the corporate culture first-hand, and seeing what career and internship opportunities they could potentially work in, was a great way to open their eyes to new and different career opportunities that they might not have thought about before. Julian, one of the YES program participants from OCCHC stated, “The YES program motivated me to keep doing what I’m doing and be more confident in myself. I’m really happy to have been here today!” To get involved and make a positive impact on a YES youth, providing guidance and support during their job search, sign-up as a mock interviewer, resume consultant, workshop facilitator, or get your company involved in a Corporate Partner Program. Simply click the link below to sign-up to make a difference in a young adult’s life! “It is a great program and it is quite valuable to help the student succeed.” –Experian Volunteer

You might have been surprised to learn about the varied positions available in the construction business, and the people doing it. According to the 2017 Orange County Workforce Indicators Report , construction is among the leading employment opportunities in Orange County, with robust growth expected in the coming years as well. On March 22nd, DPR Construction hosted YES clients for Careers in Construction, the first such event in the new YES Career Spotlight Series. Our panel of construction industry experts was developed and facilitated by YES volunteer Jan Slater, and included Alicia Loh-Ortiz, Project Manager at DPR Construction, Charles Antis, Founder and CEO of Antis Roofing and Waterproofing, and Dan Thompson, Founder and CEO of Mastercraft Homes Group LLC. Adding his unique experience was Aaron Antis, nephew of Charles, who joined Antis Roofing and Waterproofing in his twenties and has worked in virtually every department of the company, earning his deep understanding of the Antis enterpris,e and revealing a model work ethic. Susan DeGrassi facilitated a segment in which we learned how Alicia, Charles, Dan and Aaron entered and grew within their respective industries, as well as what personality traits they possess that make them good at what they do (curiosity, tenacity, and the desire to achieve, to name a few). Breakout sessions provided information in specific areas of the construction industry. YES clients met in smaller groups to learn more about Craftsman & Engineering, Sales & Entrepreneurship, and Construction Technology from moderators Melissa, Mike, John and Austin of DPR. The demo provided by the DPR tech team (Josh, Ryan, Ocean and Josh) highlighted new and emerging technology that enables remote oversight within fractions of an inch. Most important for YES clients was the willingness of panelists to meet YES clients where they are now, answering questions on how to get started in the industry (proper training), how to find and engage in that training (local unions), and what kind of advancement and pay can be expected (remarkably good). It was also a networking opportunity that netted the exchange of several business cards with invitations to reach out for guidance. Numerous careers exist within the construction industry that don’t require hands-on building skill or a degree, though those things can only help you. Construction involves architecture, materials, technology, engineering, accounting, and personnel administration. It utilizes skill in math, organization and coordination, and so much more. If you’d like to learn more about a career in construction, contact us. We are here to help you prepare for work so you are prepared for life!

Being involved with local high schools in Orange County and teaching during instructional time has made quite an impact! In March, we were at Back Bay High School where we integrated our program into their senior exit project. About 65 seniors learned life skills that will help them stand out in the job world, and also prepared them for their senior exit speech. We started out with our Employment Skills class, and the following week went back for mock interviews. Our dynamic team of HR volunteers and employers such as Starbucks, Asics, Hyundai Capital, joined us for interviews. What an impact they made! A huge thanks for their time and generosity. Our volunteers are invaluable to us and we wouldn’t be able to do our offsite events without them! Principal, Marc Trocchio shared, “One of the most common criticisms young people have about high school is that it doesn’t have anything to do with the “real world.” However, graduating students at Back Bay High School are unlikely to share this sentiment. That’s because Back Bay’s English teachers Joel Flores and Tracy Camarano have created unique senior project graduation requirement: all students must learn how to write resumes, cover letters, complete a job application, and interview for a job before they can graduate.” Joel Flores shared, “Thanks to YES and their enthusiastic leadership, 100% of Back Bay’s High School’s graduating students will have the job search skills they need to be ready to join the workforce. It is important that this program expands at all high schools.” Back Bay High School student shared, “It was definitely a challenge, but I have more confidence now.”

Youth Employment Service (YES) has been expanding its program to reach more youth and young adults throughout Orange County. This past fiscal year, YES served 646 clients!