Toro, NRPA partner for youth
The National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA), and the Toro Company have partnered on a new initiative dedicated to workforce development and promoting career pathways for youth.
“By partnering with The Toro Company, we can help young people discover new passions and interests, build essential workforce skills and strengthen the park and recreation industry pipeline,” said Kristine Stratton, president and CEO of the NRPA.
Funding for this three-year program is provided by the U.S. Department of Labor through the Workforce Pathways for Youth program.
Through this grant, NRPA and Toro will develop a workforce development framework for local park and recreation agencies.
Also, they will launch a virtual learning series focused on career pathways and building essential workforce skills, and help 2,200 individuals engage in workforce development experiences.
“Thousands of park and recreation agencies across the country offer a workforce development and/or career exploration program targeted to youth and young adults entering the labor force for the first time,” said Stratton.
The workforce development system encompasses many interrelated programs, efforts and partners, including academic partners, local employers, workforce development boards, community-based organizations and local governments, said Toro.
“The Toro Company is excited to partner with NRPA to create positive workforce development opportunities for young people across the country,” said Viane Hoefs, director of talent acquisition at Toro.
Workforce development, said the outdoor equipment firm, benefits current and future employers and provides opportunities for young people.
This includes educational and vocational attainment, interest building in careers and industries, and essential and tactical skill development, as well as removes barriers to employment, said Toro.
NRPA’s Workforce Pathways for Youth initiative is funded by a $2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor. This funding provides 100% of the support for the Workforce Pathways for Youth initiative.
“Building critical workforce skills and connecting young people to new career opportunities will help strengthen the park and recreation industry pipeline and workforce,” said Hoefs.
