The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) and The Toro Company are proud to partner on a new initiative dedicated to workforce development and promoting career pathways for youth. Funding for this three-year program is provided by the United States Department of Labor through the Workforce Pathways for Youth program.
Through this grant, NRPA and The Toro Company will develop a Workforce Development Framework for local park and recreation agencies, launch a virtual learning series focused on career pathways and building essential workforce skills, and help 2,200 individuals engage in workforce development experiences.
“Thousands of park and recreation agencies across the country offer a workforce development and/or career exploration program targeted to youth and young adults entering the labor force for the first time,” says Kristine Stratton, NRPA president and CEO. “By partnering with The Toro Company, we can help young people discover new passions and interests, build essential workforce skills and strengthen the park and recreation industry pipeline.”
“The Toro Company is excited to partner with NRPA to create positive workforce development opportunities for young people across the country,” says Viane Hoefs, director of talent acquisition at The Toro Company. “Building critical workforce skills and connecting young people to new career opportunities will help strengthen the park and recreation industry pipeline and workforce, ensuring that parks and recreation continues its essential role in creating inclusive, thriving and resilient communities in the United States."
The workforce development system encompasses many interrelated programs, efforts and partners, including academic partners, local employers, workforce development boards, community-based organizations and local governments. Workforce development benefits current and future employers and provides opportunities for young people — including educational and vocational attainment, interest building in careers and industries, and essential and tactical skill development — as well as removes barriers to employment.
The U.S. Department of Labor awarded this grant through the Workforce Pathways for Youth program. This program intends to support grant recipients’ efforts to supply workforce readiness programming for historically underserved youth from ages 14 to 21 in 21 states and American Samoa. Organizations will deliver job training and develop summer and year-round workforce pathway opportunities for youth and include strategies, such as soft skills development, career exploration, job readiness and industry-based certifications. These strategies may also include proven earn-and-learn models of pre-apprenticeships and Registered Apprenticeships.
NRPA's Workforce Pathways for Youth initiative is funded by a $2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor. This funding provides 100% of the support for the Workforce Pathways for Youth initiative.