Career Development Services help youth learn how to work and provides the work training needed to help youth become more employable. CDS are offered to youth who are out of school, with or without a high school diploma or GED and the preferred ages are 18 to 21.

Job and Work Readiness Training: Youth attend workshops held at the One-Stop Center each week for six (6) weeks. This workshop will teach youth how to:

1. Write a resume
2. Complete an application
3. Interview and answer questions
4. Dress for the interview

Youth will learn how to act or behave at work, how to work as a team, and how to move up in a company. Those who complete this class will receive a certificate of completion and will be referred to the Employment Unit for job placement assistance.

Work Experience: Many youth are not hired because they lack work experience or have no work history. This Work Experience component offers youth the opportunity to attain the work history needed. Other benefits of the program are:

1. Youth have a job description and learn how to perform the job
2. Youth work at least 30 hours per week
3. Transportation is offered and youth may receive clothes for their working environment
4. Adult direct supervision is provided
5. AWDA Counselors work with the youth in their work experience development
6. Youth are paid minimum wage for hours worked

Work experience completers will receive help in obtaining employment.

Career Lab: Youth, like some adults, may want a certain type of job, but they don't know what the "job really means". They are not sure what they will be required to do, or what they need to know. To learn about jobs, what's required and to determine if a youth will like a certain type of job, the Career Lab is the place to be. The Career Lab through computers offers youth the chance to learn about jobs, or occupations. Youth can attend up to eight (8) weeks, receive a stipend for attendance, and will receive certificates of completion at the end of their training. The Career Labs actually teaches youth how to perform some job duties of various occupations. Completers of the Career Labs instruction may be referred to the Employment Unit, or to Work experience, depending on their assessment and Individual Employment Plan.

Summer Employment Opportunities: Every Summer, thousands of youth are looking for employment or something to do during the Summer. AWDA offers Summer employment opportunities to hundreds of youth each Summer. Youth must qualify based on the income, family size, and their residence. Summer youth workers are assigned to various non-profit organizations in the metro Atlanta area, and receive from $5.25 - $5.50 per hour. Youth work at least 25 hours per week and are paid bi-weekly. Applications are taken in late February - March of each year.

Direct Job Placement Assistance: For the youth who has a high school diploma or GED, who has work experience, have attended college or vocational schools, AWDA can help you with direct job placement assistance. The Employment Unit maintains a job database loaded with job openings and announcements. To access this information or to receive job placement assistance, you must attend orientation, complete the application and submit your resume to the Employment Unit.

Job Training Services: Job Training Services is tuition paid to a training provider or school. Youth receiving this service must be 18 to 21 years old. The youth customer must attend orientation complete the application process, schedule a meeting with a counselor and complete the Individual Training Account package, prior to enrolling in school.