Work ready

YouthWorks

The employment pathway for teens and young adults taking a first real step into work.

The barrier is often access, not motivation.

YouthWorks helps young people who want to work and earn, and who lack the experience, guidance, or opening to start. Hands-on training, mentorship, and real job opportunities build the skills and confidence to enter a workplace and stay there.

It sits within the Ascend Project as Replay’s work-readiness and employment path.

Who it’s for

Teens and young adults, most often ages 14–24, who are ready for real responsibility and need the right support to succeed at it.

  • Entering the workforce for the first time
  • Struggling to find or keep a job
  • Lacking job experience or workplace skills
  • Needing income while building a longer-term direction
  • Looking for structure, accountability, and guidance

How it works

Participants prepare for employment and keep support while they gain experience. The aim is not only to get a job, but to learn how to keep it and grow from it.

  • Job readiness: resumes, interviews, workplace expectations, and communication
  • Time management, professionalism, teamwork, and accountability
  • Mentorship and coaching when the work gets hard
  • Paid internships and job opportunities
  • Exposure to industries and career paths

Outcomes

Success often begins with a first job or internship, showing up consistently, and confidence in a workplace.

  • Stronger job retention
  • Career direction and growth
  • Financial stability
  • More self-confidence and life skills

Refer a young person

Referrals are welcome from anyone who can connect a young person to employment and structured support.

  • School counselor, teacher, or administrator
  • Workforce or career program partner
  • Social worker or case manager
  • Community or faith-based leader
  • Parent, guardian, or concerned adult

Next step

How to get started

Write to us if you are ready to start working, or if you are a parent or guardian helping someone get there. A team member follows up, and eligible participants join the next training cycle.

Become a mentor

Also at Replay

Other programs

Mentorship program

Success4Life

Mentorship and character development for teens facing trauma, school trouble, and unstable homes.

Learn more

Guidance

Mentorship & Coaching

Consistent adults, accountability, and practical coaching for teens and young adults.

Learn more

Workforce

Ascend Project

Job readiness, mentorship, and paid work for youth moving from disconnection to direction.

Learn more