From job training to paid internships to lucrative careers, Crown Heights Career Hub prepares post-Yeshiva students for real world success
Having successfully launched its first class of students in paid internships in various businesses, a crucial step in preparing them for careers in promising fields, the Crown Heights Career Hub is looking forward to welcoming another cohort of young men into its program, the start of their respective journeys towards securing meaningful employment with real growth potential.
A project of the Jewish Community Council of Greater Coney Island and the Crown Heights Jewish Community Council and funded by the UJA-Federation of New York and an anonymous donor, the Crown Heights Career Hub was established in 2018 to provide post-yeshiva students with the solid job skills that are essential for success in today’s competitive workforce.
Located in the heart of Crown Heights in an all new facility equipped with state of the art technology, the program’s staff includes highly experienced workforce development professionals, classroom teachers with advanced degrees and a ten member advisory committee comprised of Crown Heights business leaders and Jewish entrepreneurs.
Ranging in age from 18 to 27, the students began their six week daily classroom preparation program on October 31st, learning to master Microsoft Word, Excel, Access and Powerpoint. Also incorporated into the curriculum were crucial skills including workplace communication, resume writing and interview preparation, as well as professional coaching and guidance. After successful completion of their studies in mid-December, students were placed in eight week long, full time, paid internships in businesses including an e-commerce startup, a property management firm, a crowdfunding company and a major nonprofit that works closely with the government. All are in touch daily with Crown Heights Career Hub director, Neil Schwerd, to review their progress and discuss challenges and accomplishments, meeting once a week in person to discuss any issues.
“Some of our interns have already given us feedback that they are learning a lot in this hands-on environment,” said Schwerd, who also speaks with the students’ employers on a weekly basis. “They have genuinely gained skills that they will take with them on their career journey going forward.”
Schwerd noted that participants in the program’s first class hailed from a variety of backgrounds, with some already having financial responsibilities but no marketable job skills.
“We gave them the training, encouragement and contacts to get them started,” said Schwerd. “Now they have gained real hard computer skills, soft interpersonal skills and are earning the experience in a paid internship that they can utilize for years to come, as well as list on a resume going forward in their professional careers.”
Once the eight week internship program has concluded, students who are not offered full time positions at their internships will be able to take advantage of the Crown Heights Career Hub’s job placement services to find immediate employment utilizing the skills they have acquired, both in the classroom and during their internship.
The next six week class is set to begin on January 28th, and with only 15 slots available in the program, openings are limited. For more information or to register, visit the Crown Heights Career Hub online at www.CHCareerHub.org, email [email protected] or call 718-449-5000 extension 2349.
There is also a very good resource for yeshiva students who want to get professional training but are a bit confused about the process. You can access it at ZevulunEdu.org
Meir! Good luck! And thank you for your community work!