At Southwest Training Services, Inc., we recognize the importance of preparing young people for success in the workplace.  If you are between the ages of 14 and 21, and are interested in working, please call or stop by to find out how we can help you better yourself and increase your earning potential.  Our services for youth include:

• career exploration and labor market orientation
• summer and year-round work experience
• subsidized employment
• tutoring/mentoring
• computer skills training
• proctored certification exams
• high school equivalency (GED) classes
• internships/apprenticeships

View a slide show about our youth activities

Click to Download a Summer Youth Application for 2011!

Jessie Blakeslee enrolled with Southwest Training in 2008.  She was a single mother of a newborn and wanted a stable career to support her child.  Jessie started out by obtaining her national customer service certification through the National Retail Federation (NRF) program. After completing the NRF, she tried to find employment but realized that she needed additional skills and training in order to find a family sustaining wage.  After researching schools and career options, she decided on the Western Area Career & Technology Center’s practical nursing program.  While attending, she received high honors and graduated in June 2010. She was hired by Manor Care in McMurray on a part-time basis.  In September, she passed her NCLES test and was promoted to full-time making over $19.00hr. with benefits.  She loves working there and is a very caring and compassionate nurse. 

In her senior year of high school, MERCEDES HULL has made such an impact on her community that she has won the Caring Youth Award from the Communities That Care organization. Along with being involved in numerous activities, this past summer she was involved in the Southwest Training, Inc. Summer Youth Employment program. Through Southwest Training, she worked with the Teen Outreach Center in Washington helping to reach out to youth in the community through various activities at the center.
Mercedes is a young and active teenager also involved in sports along with her community service efforts. She is a part of her high school’s track and softball teams.
Mercedes' accomplishments also include receiving the Community Service Award sponsored by the Challenge Program Inc. in her sophomore and junior year in high school. After she graduates from high school, she is planning on attending the Art Institute for fashion design.
It is very important to have dedicated, hard working youth like Mercedes who are involved in their community. The more teens who can be involved in programs to better their community, the brighter everyone's future looks.

Read other youth success stories and testimonials