Looking Ahead: Zack’s Story

Gaining work experience isn’t something most fourteen-year-olds are thinking about as they enter their first year of high school. But employU client, Zack, was ready to dip his toe into the workforce and explore different job positions and environments. Though his interests vary and range from art to trains to bowling to YouTube, Zack’s real passion is cooking. He hopes to be a chef one day and would like to start working towards that dream now. Learning this, his job coach, Michelle, set him up with his first paid On-the-Job training (OJT) at Longhorn Steakhouse in Jensen Beach. At this Work-Based Learning Experience (WBLE), Zack took on the task of food prep.  

His next OJT was at Capture ISG, to experience a different workplace environment. Here he worked as an office clerk, doing various administrative tasks around the office to help staff. His most recent WBLE was at Tijuana Flats working as a food runner. Through all of his WBLEs, Michelle has seen immense growth in Zack. “He has made tremendous strides in overcoming his shyness and making eye contact,” Michelle explains.  

What’s next for Zack? He would like to return to Tijuana Flats for another OJT. This time he would like to work within a different job position, preferably food prep so that he can take steps on his path towards achieving his dream job as a chef one day. He also plans to join a culinary program at IRCS after graduating high school. Michelle has no doubt that Zack has the drive and work ethic needed to make his career dreams a reality. She tells us, “With his contagious smile, sweet personality, and determination, we are rooting for him to achieve his goal of becoming a chef one day.” For more information on our Transition Youth Programs Paid Work-Based Learning Experiences visit https://employu.org/youth-paid-work-based-learning/  or contact us using the form below.  

Contact Us