Department of Family Services - Employment and Training

CONTACT INFORMATION: Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
703-533-5400 TTY 711
Virginia Career Works – Fairfax Annandale Center - 7611 Little River Turnpike (West Wing) Suite 300W
Annandale, VA 22003
Lisa Tatum
Director

Department Resources

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Employment and Training Programs for Young Adults

  • Do you feel stuck in minimum wage jobs? 
  • Are you unsure about school or employment? 
  • Do you want to have a say in your future?
  • Are you between the ages of 17 and 24?

We can help!

Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Youth Program 

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Youth Program assists youth that are out of school or close to graduating high school to access training opportunities and supports to obtain employment in high-demand jobs. 

  • Job readiness assistance
  • GED preparation 
  • Career coaching 
  • Career training and credentials 
  • Paid work experience 
  • Assistance paying for work tools and uniforms as well as other employment supports 
  • Job placement assistance in high demand employment industries 

  • Ages 17-24 years old
  • Legally eligible to work in the United States
  • Meet income requirements  
  • Registered for Selective Services (males, 18+)

Additionally meets at least one of the following criteria: 

  • Below 9th grade level in reading or math (based on program-provided TABE assessment) 
  • Left school before receiving high school diploma or GED 
  • Do not have a stable housing situation 
  • Justice involved 
  • Have a disability 
  • In or aging out of foster care 
  • Pregnant or parenting 
  • English language learner 

Educating Youth through Employment Summer Program 

EYE provides youth ages 16-24 with a paid summer work experience to build workplace skills, explore areas of interest, and prepare youth for future work opportunities. The goal is to place youth participants in a field that aligns with their career goals. 

The Northern Virginia Educating Youth through Employment (EYE) Program is a six-week summer initiative that recruits, screens and matches youth ages 16-24 with professional job opportunities. 

  • Build a pipeline of young talent
  • Give back to the community by mentoring the rising workforce.
  • Youth participants receive individualized support from EYE Counselors

Contact DFSEYE@fairfaxcounty.gov if you are interested in supporting a youth work experience. 

EYE Youth will participate in interactive and engaging workshops to prepare them for employment and provide an introduction to career exploration. Youth then complete six-weeks of paid work experience in a career field that matches their interests. Throughout the program, EYE counselors work with youth to provide support as needed. 

Youth are selected to participate in EYE by sponsoring organizations or the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Youth Program. Youth must meet the following criteria: 

  • Between the ages of 16-24 
  • Actively participating in services through the referring organization  
  • Legally eligible to work in the United States 
  • Expressed interest in finding employment and participating with EYE 
  • Must be able to work a minimum of 20 hours per week and attend training workshops through the six-weeks of the program 

For additional information on becoming a sponsor, visit: https://vcwnorthern.com/eye-programs/. 

For questions, please email DFSEYE@fairfaxcounty.gov. 

Youth Activities 

Employment & Training Youth Programs focus is to create leaders into their motivated best.  This is done so by allowing their voices to be heard and meeting the youth where they are. E & T Youth counselors work to build trust and connect with youth ages 16 – 24 to assist them in navigating their selected career and education path. 

View our calendar and register for upcoming events. 

Check back soon for new dates!

For questions, please email DFSYouthworks@fairfaxcounty.gov.

CLIMB Recognition CeremonyOn November 14, 2024, Employment Services celebrated the inaugural cohort of the CLIMB Program at their Recognition Ceremony. 15 youth between the ages of 18-24 completed a six-week skills development and career exploration program to support their success. To support their participation in the program, youth received an hourly wage of $14/hour.

Youth learned about top industries, meeting with employers such as Amazon Web Services, Baltimore-DC Metro Building and Construction Trades Council, Fairfax County Fire Department, Fairfax County Neighborhood & Community Services, Fairfax County Police Department, Minority Tech Foundation, National Park Service, Truist Bank, and the U.S. Army. 

The participants also attended interactive workshops on resume building, interview preparation, financial literacy, and workplace communication skills from representatives of BritePaths, Leadership Fairfax, Truist Bank, and Virginia Career Works Center. 

CLIMB Recognition CeremonyVisiting the Amazon Skills Center, Culmore Center (formerly Woodrow Wilson) Library, Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA -Annandale) campus, and the Workforce Innovation and Skills Hub (W.I.S.H.) gave the CLIMB participants the opportunity to see resources first-hand and learn about all of the supports available to them.

At the Recognition Ceremony, Paulisha Kellum from Neighborhood and Community Services delivered an inspiring keynote address, and community partner Jorge Figueredo from Edu-Futuro shared insights to support the youth’s future success. Congratulations to the CLIMB cohort on their accomplishments! 

The CLIMB Program is a partnership of Fairfax County Department of Family Services, Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services, and Second Story. Do you know someone between ages 17-24 who would benefit from career support services? Learn about our youth employment programs or contact DFSYouthWorks@fairfaxcounty.gov to learn more. 

CLIMB Recognition Ceremony

Unlocking Opportunities, Strategies for Job Fairs
This webinar will explore crucial tips and presenting yourself at hiring events and job fairs. Making positive impression is key to kick starting your career journey. 

Dress for Success
This webinar goes over the importance of establishing a positive image in the workplace. 

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