Local teens, businesses, benefit from summer work program

The program offers 14-24 year olds an opportunity to learn what skills they have to offer in a workplace. On-the-job training, career exploration workshops, and the possibility of long-term employment are also available.

International Falls teen Andy Cameron is one of the participants in the program. Cameron works for Dennis Frank, owner of DK Frank Seamless Gutters. Cameron assists his supervisor in any way Frank deems necessary. His duties include painting, working on building projects, helping with inventory, and assisting on gutter installment.

“I am getting a lot done that would have to be done later,” Frank said. “Andy is helping me get organized, and he is really helping out my other employees.”

Cameron has helped build organization shelves for Frank’s shop and a swing set that stands outside the shop. Frank says he looks at the program as a learning experience, and he has taught the teen how to use tools and equipment effectively.

“My goal for him is that he will learn enough so that he when he leaves here, he can work with anybody anywhere,” Frank said.

Cameron says he has been learning new things. He has learned to use a level and chop saw. He has also learned how to measure correctly.

“I am doing things I never had a chance to before,” he said.

His favorite part of his job is working with Frank, who strives to make his work environment a comfortable one.

“The only way to work is in a totally positive way,” Frank said.

Cameron says he has had trouble finding employment in the area for the past three years. He heard about the summer youth program from Frank. He was already doing odd jobs for Frank, who suggested Cameron try applying for the program so he could work full time at the shop. The pairing was a successful one.

“I am pretty proud of him and the things he has done,” Frank said.

Like Cameron, local teen Jodi Beck has had trouble finding jobs.

“Not many places hire at certain times of the year,” Beck said. “I like that the (summer youth) program gives teens the opportunity to find jobs in town.”

Beck is employed at the International Falls Chamber of Commerce through the Summer Youth program. Like Frank, Beck’s supervisor, Betsy Jensen, sees the program as a learning opportunity.

“Kids like structure,” she said. “They need it. I think giving her constructive criticism gives her positive direction.”

This is the first year the chamber has worked with the program, and it is also the first year Beck has participated in the program. Beck spends her workdays answering phones, mailing travel brochures, updating spreadsheets, and helping plan the Smokey Bear birthday celebration.

“I have learned to use Quickbooks, Excel, and Publisher, and my people and phone skills have improved,” Beck said. “But my favorite part of my job is the event planning part.”

Jensen says the chamber would not be able to plan the Smokey Bear birthday celebration without Beck’s help.

“It’s wonderful to have extra help here,” Beck said. “And the Smokey Bear birthday is something the whole community will enjoy. It’s part of our history.”

Jensen has many goals for her youth worker.

“I hope she will learn some basic work soft skills and hard skills,” Jensen said. “She hasn’t worked in a professional environment before, so there is always more to learn.”

Beck has already learned how to dress and act appropriately in a professional environment. Jensen has also taught Beck to take notes on what she is told to do and to bring the notes to meetings. Jensen has received positive feedback about Beck.

“She is good with people who come in,” Jensen said. “She is friendly, and we receive lots of compliments about how friendly she is. She works hard, and she is very smart.”

To learn more about this program and others offered by the Northeast Minnesota Office of Job Training, visit http://www.jobtrainingmn.org.

International Falls career counselors can be contacted at 283-9427.