by Tiffany Bourgeois

Guam - A private/public partnership launched this morning set to offer the island's youth an opportunity to garner valuable work experience. Senator Brant McCreadie teamed up with Barrigada mayor June Blas for the Adopt-A-Job Program.

The freshman senator told KUAM News, "It's a job referral placement so what we're doing is were asking each individual private company for five hours a week of their time, so these young children that you see with me between 18-to-21-year-olds can get the job opportunity that they need out of high school to be able to get themselves in the work force of life."

While the program only lasts up to three months, Senator McCreadie says it's a stepping stone into the workforce. And Mayor Blas is happy to help, as she said, "Our kids and young adults are the at risk children so, like I said young adults, they want to go out and work but they don't have that first-hand experience, this is one their opportunity to get into the real working field."

The program has already signed on its first few participants including 21-year-old Charles Blas, who noted, "I got involved because I really want to see how it is to experience the work experience and I guess I'm excited to start working."

At least eight companies have already signed on to participate in the Adopt-A-Job Program with a call made out for more to join. Participating companies will need to train, pay and conduct an evaluation of the employee. Upon the completion of the program, the business partners have the opportunity to continue the participant's employment.

The Adopt-A-Job Program launched today, and for more information you can contact the Barrigada Mayor's Office at 734-3737.