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Youth Employment and Skills Initiative

Learn more about the Youth Employment and Skills (YES) initiative in Massachusetts.

Youth employment benefits everyone. Youth and young adults gain valuable skills, communities grow stronger, and employers help build the workforce of tomorrow. Hiring this talent pool is a great way to invest in your industry and create a strong local talent pipeline. It’s also a meaningful way to support your community.

The Healey-Driscoll Administration is committed to giving young people in Massachusetts access to early work experiences. Learn how you can get involved and help build a statewide network of employers giving youth and young adults a chance to succeed.

Join us and say YES to youth jobs

Business owners, hiring managers, and HR professionals: take action today.

Learn how you can get involved and help build a statewide network of employers giving youth a chance to succeed.

Say YES to youth jobs

Youth employment outcomes

19,000  youth and young adults connected to employment

19,000 youth and young adults gained employment since 2023 through YouthWorks, administered by Commonwealth Corporation and in partnership with regional MassHire Workforce Boards, local community-based organizations, municipalities, for job placements from camp counselors to IT to communications.

In December 2025, the Healey-Driscoll Administration launched the Gateway Youth Employment Pilot, which encouraged MassHire regional Workforce Boards in Gateway Cities to engage with more employers pledged to hire youth this summer.

Youth employment resources

Year-round and summer employment (YouthWorks) 

YouthWorks is a state-funded employment program that helps Massachusetts employers create meaningful summer and year-round job opportunities.

Employment for Young Adults with Disabilities (YAWD) 

This program helps employers reduce barriers to hiring and create meaningful employment opportunities.

Find a MassHire Career Center  

Teens and young adults can find summer and year-round jobs, or industry-specific training through their local MassHire Career Center.

Recent news about youth employment

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