Connecting Detroit Youth to Careers

With all the development happening in Detroit, many jobs will be created in some of the fastest-growing industries in the region such as construction, healthcare, IT, and retail. Mayor Duggan’s Grow Detroit’s Young Talent (GDYT) program will provide Detroiters with work experience in some of these industries. Work experience – particularly for young people – is a critical element of preparing for workplace success. Apart from developing and learning specific technical skills, young people will understand the importance of teamwork, work ethic, problem solving, time management, and other “soft skills” outlined in the SEMCOG/MAC Lifelong Soft Skills Framework and 14 interactive videos based on the report.

The GDYT is a six-week summer youth employment program that provides work readiness training as well as work experience. It is looking for employers from around the region to sponsor one or more young Detroiters (ages 14-24) by providing a six-week paid work experience this summer.

The program will manage student recruitment, payroll, work readiness training, and screening for interests and aptitudes – and match these with employer needs and preferences. Most participants will work 20 hours a week earning $7.50-10 an hour depending on age and type of job.

If you are interested in helping increase jobs and prosperity in Southeast Michigan by strengthening Detroit’s talent pipeline, visit Grow Detroit’s Young Talent or contact Shawn Blanchard, City of Detroit’s Youth Services Director at (313) 492-0660.