Positive Path Program aims to job train young workers who face barriers to employment

The City of Winston-Salem is offering temporary part-time training for young people who are facing obstacles to employment.

Applications are now being accepted for the Positive Path Program that exposes people 16 to 24 years of age to careers in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math. The participants, known as apprentices, receive mentorship, hands-on and professional development training 20 hours a week, and earn $15 an hour.

To qualify, they need to fall into at least one of several categories: 16 or 17-year-old high school dropouts, youth or adult offenders, current or former foster youths, children of incarcerated parents or caregivers, or social services referrals.

Over the course of five months, apprentices can earn their GED diploma, and they receive follow-up support services for six months upon completion of the program.

Classes begin April 24.