Please note: While we support our alumni during the busy holiday season, we are not actively recruiting new T.W.O. participants.

Check out Old Navy’s This Way Onward program!

Since 2015, Youth Job Center has partnered with Old Navy for their This Way ONward (TWO) program, hiring seasonal and part-time employees for Old Navy stores throughout the Chicagoland area. The program provides personalized employment training and a meaningful employment experience that allows young adults to develop skills they can build upon throughout their careers and life.

This year, TWO focuses on professional development and growth opportunities, aiming to retain more young adults in positions and providing promotion opportunities for those who excel in the program.

Hired clients will receive ongoing career coaching, financial support, and barrier-reduction services through YJC. Clients will also gain access to alumni events sponsored by Old Navy and hosted by CoLabl, an organization that partners with employers to offer breakthrough mentoring and talent exploration.

Training

Prior to being placed in a store, clients attend Workforce Readiness Training to help develop skills that are essential to successful employment. YJC’s training program starts with the basics of getting a job (completing applications, building resumes, practicing interview techniques), workplace expectations, navigating workplace culture, positive communication skills, and basics of attendance and punctuality. This year, trainings will be held virtually, with trainings scheduled every week in May, with interested candidates required to attend a 2-hour workshop each day Monday through Thursday. Old Navy volunteers co-facilitate workshops that help This Way ONward participants develop essential customer service and conflict resolution skills, and gain a better understanding of Old Navy’s workplace expectations.

Placement and Retention

*This Way ONward participant Taylor G. at work*

Following training, clients are placed in their seasonal or part-time positions. YJC and Old Navy match clients to a location convenient to them, understanding that not everyone is able to travel long distances for work. Clients are matched with a “Big Sib” at their store, an experienced employee who will act as a mentor to the youth, providing hands-on guidance on navigating things like corporate culture, company policy, and day-to-day activities.

During their placement, clients will also be supported by a YJC Career Coach, who will check in on them at least once a week and work with store managers and other Old Navy staff to address any issues (tardiness, poor attitude, lack of understanding core responsibilities, etc.). By supporting our clients regularly, we increase the chances that they will successfully complete the internship, develop valuable transferable skills, or be offered permanent employment at Old Navy.

*This Way Ahead participants meeting with their colleagues*

Post-placement

Upon completion of their placement, many This Way ONward clients may be offered permanent part-time or full-time employment at their store. Over the course of the last three years, roughly 65% of the 425 youth who have participated in TWO have received offers for continuing employment. YJC continues to work with these young adults for up to two years after they have secured employment, helping them to identify career paths and develop actionable plans for career advancement.

Results

YJC is pleased to share information gathered in a survey of our 2020 TWO clients. We are proud to be an Old Navy partner in providing young people with effective training and employment opportunities to ensure that they are connected to opportunities to advance and develop the skills to become future leaders. The results of our 2020 survey results show that This Way ONward clients gained successful employment and saw an increase in their soft skills and confidence measures.

YJC is proud of the job skills that young people acquired through the This Way ONward program. Key to the success of the TWO program was consistent training and interview preparation. The YJC team, in collaboration with Old Navy staff, worked hard to coordinate effective recruitment, training, and hiring events. This consistency and careful planning led to many successful hires for local Old Navy stores.