ROCK ISLAND, ILLINOIS (August 7, 2025) — The YWCA Quad Cities is proud to continue its Pre-Apprenticeship Jobs Program for a second consecutive summer.
This dynamic thirteen-week program provides full or part-time paid employment opportunities for youth ages 16–24 who live in Illinois. The initiative focuses on preparing young people for long-term success by equipping them with critical workforce and life skills. The YWCA funds all student wages, making it easier for employers to participate and support the next generation of the local workforce.
The first few weeks of the program emphasize professional development, including résumé and cover-letter writing, job-readiness training, and career exploration. Participants also gain essential life skills — such as budgeting, understanding insurance and employee benefits, and how to open a bank account — through engaging workshops and guest speakers.
This summer, 21 youth are participating in the program and have been placed with 13 local businesses, many of which are non-profits. Last year, YWCA QC had twelve students in the program who were offered permanent jobs through the organizations where they were placed.
“The job application process is an endless cycle of needing experience to get experience, leaving youth feeling discouraged and hopeless,” said Lexy Larson, Grant Specialist and Program Manager for the YWCA Quad Cities. “Our program allows youth to gain 180 hours of work experience in various fields, making them stronger candidates for employment, allowing them to earn some money and creating lasting pathways for success.”
