Three students from Kalamazoo RESA’s Young Adult Program (YAP) recently secured paid employment through its Work-Based Learning Program. Work-based learning provides students with opportunities to gain on-the-job experience and career skills through mutually beneficial employer partnerships. Students increase awareness across a broad spectrum of careers and develop critical teamwork skills to help them succeed in the world of work.

		Gabe Sacchetti was placed at Gull Road Meijer at the beginning of December in their bakery to help prepare cookies. Gabe did such a great job on the first day that they offered him a paid position. Gabe enjoys his new job and continues to be successful in his position.
		Stanley Young started the program with a work site at Bronson Athletic Club, and after several weeks, and quickly demonstrated that he was ready for paid employment. There were no open positions at his current site, and because of his strong desire to get paid employment, he was connected with Meijer, and they offered him a job as a Utility Worker. Stanley recently finished his first week of work and will be getting his first paycheck soon.
		Justin Johnson was placed at Bronson Hospital in the food and hospitality department because of his desire to get a paid position.  After just a few weeks of demonstrating responsibility and readiness, he began his paid employment on March 10. Justin’s determination to earn a paid role helped him succeed in reaching his goal.

"All three students have worked extremely hard and are very deserving of paid positions. We have several more students who have shown they have the skills to get paid employment and will hopefully be hired very soon." says Josh Holmes, Work-Based Learning Coordinator at KRESA's Young Adult Program (YAP). 
Learn more about KRESA's Young Adult Program and Work-Based Learning at kresa.org.