DETROIT (WWJ) -- New work opportunities are on the horizon for thousands of young Detroiters, as Mayor Mike Duggan on Monday announced the launch of the 2021 summer jobs program put on by Grow Detroit’s Young Talent.
GDYT, in its seventh year of existence, has surpassed a milestone of more than 50,000 summer job experiences for the city’s youth since 2015.
Duggan announced Monday more than 8,000 people between the ages of 14 and 24 will get the opportunity to work in the skilled trades, supply-chain management, retail, healthcare and hospitality industries.
Participants will complete 120 work hours and can earn a stipend of up to $1,800. Career experiences will run through late August.
“In 2020, three GDYT youth worked with Ford and RAM Construction on the Michigan Central Station project,” Duggan said. “That partnership was so successful that all were offered full-time jobs, and this year the number of youth working there has increased from three to 15, which goes to show what our city’s young people are capable of when they are given opportunity.”
Bob Mazur, owner of RAM Construction, says opportunities won’t only be at the Michigan Central, as other sites across the city include the parking structure at the former Joe Louis Arena.
The idea of the program is to teach skills that can be used for high-paying construction careers.
“That was the whole reason for having a couple of alternative sites -- to make sure we can get you people the hours that we know you’re going to be looking for,” Mazur said.
There are more opportunities outside of construction, though, as GDYT has also partnered with the likes of Junior Police and Fire Cadets, as well as many other sectors of the economy.
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GDYT has partnered with Carhartt to ensure all youth have proper clothing and equipment they will need on the job. The Michigan-based apparel manufacturer has donated equipment including work boots, pants, shirts and tool belts, in addition to equipment like hard hats and PPE provided by RAM Construction.
GDYT has raised over $11.3M in 2021 to support the program from a wide range of funding partners, including Connect Detroit funding partner JPMorgan Chase.
More information about the program can be found on the Grow Detroit's Young Talent website.