Career Works Program Prepares Youth for Workforce in Wyoming

Casper, WY – The Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming’s Career Works program has been helping teens discover their strengths, build confidence, and explore future career paths. The program serves youth ages 12–18, connecting Club members with local businesses and professionals to provide hands-on experiences, job skills training, and industry insight. These opportunities are having a lasting effect. After attending a Career Works partnership, 79 percent of participants report feeling more comfortable trying new hands-on experiences.

Career Works isn’t just about careers, it’s about confidence. Amanda Preddice-Milne, Career Development Coordinator for BGCCW, explained that some teens are not always the first to step forward. It isn’t because they lack potential, but because they are still learning to believe in themselves. The program gives them the opportunity to explore and discover their strengths.

One teen, Lily, discovered her interest in a hands-on career through a Transfer VR headset simulation focused on working with cars. That spark led to real-world experience at Atlas Energy Solutions, formerly Moser Energy Systems, where she got to work on natural gas engines. “Getting to actually do the work made it real for me,” she said. “It showed me that I’m capable and that this kind of career is something I can really go after.”

**BGCCW Club member Lily P.** works hands-on with an engine during her Career Works experience at Atlas Energy Solutions, formerly Moser Energy Systems, gaining practical skills in a real-world energy setting.

Local businesses play a vital role in the program’s success.

One such partner is Kitchen Connections. Owner Pat Christensen welcomed Career Works into an interactive design experience.

“When the Career Works program came to Kitchen Connections, they got hands-on experience at how design works in the real world,” said Christensen. “They saw how we use design boards and software to plan a space, and they learned how important it is to listen to what the customer wants. It gave them a better understanding of both the creative and technical sides of the job.”

**Kitchen Connections owner Pat Christensen** shares his expertise with BGCCW Career Works youth during Day 1 of a two-day learning experience.

These partnerships are more than introductions. They are opportunities for youth to connect their interests with real-world applications and explore careers they may never have considered. One Club teen who participated in the Kitchen Connections visit shared, “I didn’t realize how much I’d enjoy putting designs together using bold colors. It made me think differently about what I might want to do someday.”

The results speak for themselves. Participants have shown a 44 percent average increase in industry knowledge, highlighting the depth of learning that takes place through these experiences.

Three BGCCW youth explore career opportunities in veterinary medicine during a Career Works field day at Casper Animal Medical Center, learning about animal care and clinic operations.

Through experiences like these, Career Works continues to grow in impact. Recent partners include a diverse range of local businesses and organizations such as 71 Construction, ART 321, Atlas Energy Solutions, Audubon of the Rockies, Automation & Electronics, the Bureau of Land Management, C Bracket Horse Barn, Casper Animal Medical Center, the Child Development Center, the Forbidden Forest, E & F Towing, Transport and Recovery, High Country Fabrication, IBEW JATC, Interior Solutions, John Johnson Restaurant Group, Jonah Bank, Keyhole Technologies, Kitchen Connections, Metro Animal Services, Mills Fire Department, Natrona County Emergency Management, Natrona County Fire Department, Natrona County International Airport, Natrona County Public Safety Call Center, Natrona County Sheriff’s Office, The Nicolaysen Art Museum, Pathways Innovation Center, Pepper Tank & Contracting Co., Pullen Services, Spruce Beauty Bar, USDA–Natural Resources Conservation Service, Walmart, Wyoming Camera Outfitters, Wyoming Food for Thought Project, Wyoming Highway Patrol, and Wyoming Machinery. Each partnership offers more than just exposure. It provides mentorship, direction, and encouragement to take that next step.

Career Works is one part of a broader commitment at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming to help youth grow into responsible, productive, and caring citizens. If your business is interested in partnering to provide career experiences or opportunities for teens, contact Amanda Preddice-Milne at 307-234-2456 x129. For more information, visit bgccw.org/career-works.

Teens in the Career Works program get real-world exposure to energy industry work while at Atlas Energy Solutions, formerly Moser Energy Systems, developing skills that prepare them for future careers.

SPONSORED IN-KIND BY BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF CENTRAL WYOMING
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