To succeed in today’s workforce, teens need early opportunities to develop desirable skillsets. The goal of Keystone’s Youth Employment program is to use engaging work readiness training and real work experiences to develop the habits and skills that young people will need to confidently compete for jobs in the future.
Youth Job Readiness
Keystone helps young people gain skills to prepare for the world of work by offering paid apprenticeships and training.
Offering Youth Opportunities to Develop Good Work Habits and Skills
youth get first Job experience
Through a variety of paid apprenticeship positions throughout Keystone, teens experience their “first job” and learn critical work-readiness skills to prepare them for any workplace. Certain apprenticeship positions, like those at Express Bike Shop, also help youth develop their business awareness and an entrepreneurial mindset. Youth working as apprentices at the Rice Street Food Shelf or Community Kids develop a deeper understanding of working with families in need or kids who need extra academic or social support.
Support Youth Apprenticeships
You can help a young person thrive in their first job.
Apprenticeships are made by possible by partners and funders who give us financial support to offer enriching employment and training opportunities for young people in our community. We are grateful for a partnership with St. Paul’s Right Track program which helps build Saint Paul’s workforce by providing career-readiness opportunities and work experience for under-resourced youth.
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Youth learn bike mechanic skills in their job at the Express Bike Shop. -
Youth practice teamwork and communication in Urban Apprentice Training. -
Youth have the opportunity to do summer apprenticeships at other Keystone locations, including the Keystone Food Shelves.
Thank You to our Funders
We want to thank our corporate grant makers who invest in youth in our community through their grants to support youth employment programs at Keystone:
- Best Buy Foundation/Club House Network
- McNeely Foundation
- Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED)
- Walser Foundation
- Xcel Energy Foundation
Support Youth Employment Opportunities
you can Make a first job experience meaningful for neighborhood teens
The Youth Express program depends on the support of our community to offer training and apprenticeships to young people. There are a variety of ways you can support the Youth Express program:
- Shop at our youth-run business, Express Bike Shop
- Donate a used bike or bike parts to the shop
- Make a gift online to employee a youth apprentice
