ORLANDO, Fla. – A former participant in Orlando’s Youth Employment Program partnered with the city on Tuesday to provide opportunities for young people.
Eric McIntosh, owner of Sweetie’s Ice Cream in the Lorna Doone neighborhood, was a part of Orlando’s Youth Employment Program nearly 10 years ago.
“Being part of the Summer Youth Employment program as a student opened many opportunities for me and I was able to really develop my skills to run my own business,” McIntosh said. “I am excited to be on the other side helping my community learn what it’s like to get hands-on experience and show other businesses in the area how it can benefit them as well.”
McIntosh said it’s “like a full circle.”
“Now I own my own business and now I can give back to the youth and I can show them a few ropes. Maybe one day they can open up their own business,” McIntosh said.
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Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and students will work at Sweetie’s Ice Cream on Tuesday to serve some frozen concoctions and learn some valuable lessons.
“It’s at no cost to the business, so I would encourage anyone out there that would like to have a young vigorous student come and intern for them for probably about five or six weeks to get in touch with us,” he said.
The five-week program employs more than 600 teenagers ages 15-19. The students receive financial literacy training, job experience, networking skills and career readiness, such as work etiquette and “dressing for success,” while receiving an hourly salary from CareerSource Central Florida.
Kaylee Johnson is a participant in the program.
“It taught me about debit, credit. It also taught me about how to manage money, how to write resumes (and) fill out job applications,” Johnson said.
The program offers jobs in retail, hospitality and the insurance industry.
To apply for the program, click here.
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