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The event with the mayor kicked-off the sixth year of Future 5’s Job Prep workshop. The workshop provides students with six weeks of “soft skills” training for the workplace such as communication skills, professionalism, work ethic and teamwork.
Job Prep graduates then qualify for visits to Stamford corporations, job shadowing and internships. Future 5 provides each of them with ongoing coaching help for after school and summer job searches – including resume help, mock interviews and search strategies. Approximately 95 percent of Future 5 graduates are successful in landing part time jobs, including jobs through the Mayor’s Youth Employment program.
The mayor talked with approximately 25 students along with a number of volunteer coaches and staff. He touched upon topics such as his own education and career path, the importance of an educated, youthful workforce in Stamford, qualities of a successful employee, the Mayor’s Youth Employment program and the future employment outlook in Stamford.
Martin explained he believed that what is critical to be successful when becoming part of the workforce is to “be reliable and be engaged.” He stressed to the students that it is important to communicate this to a prospective employer in an interview and most importantly show it on the job.
Prior to the Mayor’s visit, students participated in Future 5’s weekly Brain Wave session, a lively and spirited Trivial Pursuit-type game designed to test students' knowledge of current events and the world around them.
Led by executive director Clif McFeely, students competed for points by answering questions on topics trending in the news.
“It’s important for the students to be involved and engaged, not only during our workshops but with what’s going on out in the world. Brain Wave helps in a challenging and fun way,” McFeely said.
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