CONNECT2Careers (C2C) has hit the ground running for a summer full of connecting San Diego’s young people with training, job and internship opportunities. Last summer, C2C trained 487 youth in communication, problem solving and team work skills — this year’s goal is 1,500.

These workshops are available free of charge to schools and youth-serving agencies. Workshop attendees gain access to a portal with job and internship opportunities and a team of peer job coaches to guide them through their job search process. During these training sessions, participants build résumés, practice interviews and craft elevator pitches they can use to introduce themselves to employers. Training options include:

• Building a Résumé: A great résumé is the key to landing job interviews. Participants will learn what it takes to build résumés employers will love. They will learn how to share about previous jobs, volunteer positions and other experience, then create a résumé using our mobile résumé lab. The mobile résumé lab can serve up to 10 participants at once; training sites that also have access to a computer lab are preferred.
• Creating an Elevator Pitch: Elevator pitches are brief, rehearsed introductions that give potential employers a “highlight reel” of a person’s experiences and aspirations — answering the common “tell me about yourself” interview question. Participants will build a pitch that includes their passions, goals and qualifications, then practice their pitch individually and in groups.
• Preparing for Interviews: A strong interview can mean the difference between “you’re hired” and “don’t call us; we’ll call you.” At this workshop, participants will learn strategies for interview success and engage in practice interviews with their peers.
• In-Demand Jobs: San Diego’s economy offers engaging, fulfilling work opportunities many young people may not even know exist. During this workshop, we’ll share about San Diego’s fastest-growing industries and occupations and help participants learn what they can do now to qualify for those job opportunities in the future.
• CONNECT2Careers Registration Drive: The CONNECT2Careers portal gives youth access to job postings, a peer job coach and resources like résumé templates and practice interview questions. We’ll bring our mobile application lab (serves up to 10 participants at a time) to accept online registrations and answer questions youth may have as they register for the portal.

If you’re interested in hosting a C2C training for your school or agency,  or contact (619) 228-2945 or .

C2C is also looking for  this summer. For more information on joining other One San Diego 100 employers, please fill out .