Youth Apprenticeship Program

Job description

# Opportunity Youth Apprentice – Substance Use Disorder Counseling **Program:** California Opportunity Youth Apprenticeship Program (COYA) **Organization:** Amity Foundation **Program Partners:** ELAC and Cuesta College **Position Type:** Registered Apprenticeship Program **Field:** Substance Use Disorder Counseling ## Position Summary Amity Foundation, in partnership with ELAC and Cuesta College, is seeking motivated young adults to participate in the **California Opportunity Youth Apprenticeship Program (COYA)**. This unique apprenticeship provides participants with an opportunity to turn lived experience into purpose while preparing for a meaningful career in **Substance Use Disorder Counseling**. Participants will receive **hands-on training, college education, and career development support** designed to build the skills and credentials needed to pursue a career helping individuals and communities impacted by substance use. ## Program Responsibilities As an apprentice, participants will have the opportunity to: - Participate in hands-on training related to Substance Use Disorder Counseling. - Complete applicable college education and coursework through the program. - Develop professional skills and knowledge applicable to the behavioral health and substance use disorder field. - Participate in career development and professional growth activities. - Learn appropriate professional boundaries, communication, and workplace expectations. - Develop skills to effectively support individuals and communities. - Participate in assigned apprenticeship activities, training, and educational requirements. - Work toward applicable credentials and career readiness within the field. ## Minimum Qualifications / Eligibility Applicants must be **18–24 years old at the time of enrollment** and meet **at least one** of the following eligibility criteria: - Current or former foster youth - Pell Grant eligible - WIOA eligible - Title I school background - Reside in a high-poverty area - Formerly incarcerated - Youth parent - Person with a disability ## Ideal Candidate The ideal participant is passionate about **helping others and making a difference in their community** and is interested in developing a career in Substance Use Disorder Counseling. Candidates should be willing to participate in both educational and hands-on training components and committed to developing the skills, knowledge, and credentials necessary to succeed in the field. ## Education and Training Participants receive a combination of: - College education - Hands-on apprenticeship training - Career development support - Professional skill development - Preparation toward applicable career credentials ## How to Apply / Learn More To learn more about the program or determine eligibility, contact the **COYA Team** at: **coya@amityfdn.org** **Amity Foundation – California Opportunity Youth Apprenticeship Program**