Mayor Vi Lyles, City of Charlotte | City of Charlotte website
Mayor Vi Lyles, City of Charlotte | City of Charlotte website
More than 1,500 young people are taking part in the City of Charlotte's annual Job and Career Readiness Training (JCRT). This program aims to equip individuals aged 16-24 with necessary skills for the workplace. JCRT is recognized by local businesses as an important resource for workforce development, preparing young residents for successful careers and fostering essential professional skills.
The JCRT, running from October 7 to 28 in schools, offers training on job readiness, interview preparation, and skills such as emotional intelligence, time management, effective communication, and financial literacy—all free of charge. It is one of the largest career training programs in the metro area. A survey of last year's participants showed that 96% reported increased confidence in networking, interview preparation, and workplace communication.
A notable feature this year is the partnership with Workforce Development at Bank of America. The bank is hosting resume writing workshops to help participants envision their career paths and build professional resumes. By connecting its resources with JCRT’s training, students access practical tools to enhance their job search skills.
Kory, a student at East Mecklenburg High School who participated last year, expressed his enthusiasm: “I hope to build my resume...to interact with future employers...just build relationships with other people and open doors that may have been closed.”
This training serves as a first step for students aiming to join the Mayor’s Youth Employment Program (MYEP), which offers paid summer work experiences in the Charlotte-Metro region. Bank of America has partnered with MYEP for nearly two decades and has hired many graduates from Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS). President Kieth Cockrell highlighted this commitment at the MYEP closing ceremony: “Dream a big dream. Dare to be great.”
By offering resume writing and career preparation workshops, Workforce Development at Bank of America empowers young people to develop job skills. This year's JCRT provides underserved youth with opportunities to build their future.
For more information, contact Omar Crenshaw at Omar.Crenshaw@charlottenc.gov.
Alerts Sign-up