JOB-A-PALOOZA! Calling Local Businesses
The Arc of Palm Beach County wants to partner with local businesses and organizations to help build bright futures for young people with disabilities. Job-A-Palooza is a fast-paced job training event that gives candidates the opportunity to learn about possible careers, and employers the chance to explore an untapped pool of applicants.
Job-A-Palooza is Thursday, August 9, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Palm Beach Gardens campus of Palm Beach State College: 3160 PGA Boulevard, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. The Arc is looking for companies to join Publix, Pratt Whitney, Otis Elevator, and The Gardens Mall in supporting our community.
The event, which is funded through Vocational Rehabilitation (VR), gives students ages 14 to 21 early job training. Each company will choose a task for applicants to complete, then judge them on the quality or speed of their performance, depending on the task. For example, a candidate may be asked to stock inventory for a store or detail a vehicle for a car wash. Each applicant will choose at least five businesses and have a peer mentor to help them complete their job tasks.
“We are looking for businesses to partner with us to help promote acceptance in the workplace, while building future careers,” said Kimberly McCarten, CEO and president of The Arc of Palm Beach County. “We have young people who are eager to learn, and excited about earning an income. This event is a fun way for applicants and employers to get acquainted.”
Job-A-Palooza is just one approach The Arc of Palm Beach County uses to help people with developmental disabilities enter the workforce. The Employment Services Program offers job seekers guidance throughout the year, and ongoing support for those who are hired. Employment specialists partner with businesses to discover and help create career opportunities. To get involved with Job-A-Palooza, or any of the programs at The Arc of Palm Beach County, please visit arcpbc.org or call (561) 842-3213.
About The Arc of Palm Beach County
The Arc of Palm Beach County has been improving the lives of children and adults with developmental disabilities, and their families, through services, education, and advocacy since 1958. The Arc supports programs throughout Palm Beach County that reach more than 2,800 families each year.
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