Two workforce development programs in Riverside aim to help young city residents get on early career paths and develop the next generation of workers, officials said Tuesday.
The RISE and GROW programs represent investments in local youth who will become the city and local business’ future employees, officials said. The programs feature internships, mentoring and life skills training.
“We know from our existing workforce that many of our best employees are right here in Riverside,” Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson said in a statement. “These programs help us develop our future workforce and ensure we will continue to benefit from the local talent here in town.”
GROW, or Guiding Riverside’s youth towards Opportunities in the Workforce, provides high school juniors and seniors with job readiness skills as well as knowledge and experiences related to the workforce. The program combines classroom learning, hands-on training, job-shadowing and mentorship with the goal of preparing students for success in a variety of industries, officials said.