GENESEO, N.Y., April 1, 2025 – The Livingston County Office of Workforce Development (LCOWD) is now accepting applications for the summer 2025 Livingston Youth Employment Program (LYEP). The annual jobs initiative provides area youth ages 14-20 with valuable experience and training designed to prepare them for the workforce.
LYEP officials encourage interested teens to apply by April 17 for priority interviewing. Program organizers will assign participants to a business in their community to work approximately 20 to 25 hours a week earning $15.60 per hour. Previous LYEP worksites have included the Chip Holt Nature Center, the Mount Morris Dam and Recreation Area, a number of County departments, Goodwill, and several local schools.
The LCOWD hires around 50 local teens each summer through the program. Selected applicants will begin by attending a four-day work readiness training course. It equips them with essential workplace skills needed to meet the expectations of their host worksite on day one. They also receive basic financial literacy training aimed at developing positive financial knowledge, skills, and habits before receiving their first paycheck.
Worksite assignments include retail, indoor and outdoor maintenance, food service, landscaping, and work with children at recreation programs. The teens rank their top three job type preferences and organizers attempt to match them with their favored choice. Once hired and on the worksite, the youth employees meet weekly with an employment counselor to discuss questions and challenges encountered. Employment counselors also meet regularly with the host worksite’s supervisor to ensure expectations are being met and address any concerns. Teen employees’ wages are paid by the LYEP, which also covers workers’ compensation costs for employers taking part in the program. All youth employees undergo prescreening before beginning employment.
The LYEP application is now available online here. Those without access to a printer can call 585-243-7047 or email tbyrd@co.livingston.ny.us to have the application mailed to them. If emailing, please provide a first and last name along with a mailing address.
Anyone not selected for the program can still take advantage of the many resources offered by the LCOWD. “Getting Your First Job: A Guide to Youth Employment,” is a 42-page online booklet designed to guide interested young people toward positions and employers matching their qualifications and interests. The free guide is tailored for teens and features everything needed to find a local job, including age requirements, interview tips, and a list of employers receptive to first-time job seekers.
Local businesses looking to learn more or participate in the LYEP, can visit the Livingston County Office of Workforce Development’s 24 & Under Services page or contact the office at 585-243-7047.
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About Livingston County:
Founded in 1821, Livingston County, N.Y., is home to more than 61,000 residents in 17 towns located across 631 square miles of the Finger Lakes region.