WAY is a unique program designed to turn teens into workers with real career skills and aspirations. The program’s main focus is on work ethics and attitude, helping youth to think of themselves as “a person who works” with a real understanding of an employer’s right to a full day’s work for a day’s pay.
On our campus, the program has four levels, allowing youth to advance at their own pace:
- Level 1: unpaid chores in their cottages. All children learn that they must contribute to their community.
- Level 2: paid chores around the cottage for small wages.
- Level 3: paid jobs on campus earning amounts appropriate to their age and experience. (learn more).
The purpose of WAY Level 3 is to prepare youth, through real work experiences, for a job in the community. In order to enter Level 3, youth must complete a series of pre-employment workshops, create a resume, apply for a job of their choice and go through an interview process.
WAY Pre-Employment Workshops are a series of five interactive sessions that serve approximately 200 boys each year. Topics include:
- Work Ethics: An Honest Day’s Work for an Honest Day’s Pay
- The 6 Cs: Choices, Commitment, Communication, Compromise, Control [of Self], Courtesy
- Preparing for the Job Interview
- The WAY to get H.I.R.E.D.: Practicing the Job Interview
- “You’re Fired”: 10 Easy Ways to Lose Your Job
These topics represent components included in the National Alliance of Business definition of the term “work maturity.” The workshops make use of classroom instruction, role play and other activities, and guided discussion. Youth learn to look for work, deal with disappointment, try again, leave a job responsibly, get references, and develop job-related skills and attitudes.
Once youth complete the workshops, they can then apply for a job in Village Garage , the Barber Apprenticeship Program, the Mobile Computer Lab, Food Service Program, Village Store, the Greenhouse and many other jobs on our campus.. |
