Skills Training

It's never too early or too late to strengthen your skills. There are many service programs available to you especially within the ages of 16 - 25 years-old. Here are just a few directions to consider:

Hands-on technical and mechanical skills
King County Work Training Program sponsors Opportunity Skyway, a program for students 16 - 24 years-old, who attend for a minimum of 4 months studying for the GED test, learning math and technical skills, getting on-the-job training, and applying basic skills by working in a machine shop building an airplane. The airplane is a two-seat airplane kit constructed from sheet metal. Skills such as precise measurement, handling shop tools, teamwork and attendance are emphasized. The training is free. For more information, see Opportunity Skyway in the Resources and Help Skill Building section.

Leadership, teamwork and career-building skills
Youth Opportunity! Movement (YO!) serves youth ages 14-21 in the downtown and South Seattle neighborhoods. Counselors work with you for 2-5 years developing individual plans to increase school and employment skills, as well as leadership and mentoring skills. Youth have access to a city-wide network of training, education and personal development opportunities. Social and cultural functions allow you to network with other youth. For more information, see YO! in the Resources and Help Skill Building section.

Photography, art and visual expression skills
Insight Youth is a scholarship program offering classes in black and white photography for inner-city youth ages 13 to 17. Students attend classes in the summer, work independently in darkrooms, explore photographic processes and participate in an exhibition of student work at the Photographic Center Northwest. Their mission is to enable urban teens, through photography, to experience their world in new ways and make positive changes in their lives. For more information, see Insight Youth in the Resources and Help Skill Building section.

 

 

 

1. How do I find out about more programs?

 

In the community and outdoors

Youth Volunteer Corps provides free projects to youth ages 11-18 years-old. Throughout the year, you can select weekly projects to work on in the Seattle, Shoreline and Eastside regions. The Corps provides opportunity to meet new people, get involved and so service in your community. For more information, see YVC in the Resources and Help Skill Building section.