Career Development PROGRAM
In 2020, SOS developed the ‘Career Development Program’ to offer meaningful summer engagement and connect participants (ages 15+) to paid apprenticeship opportunities in the outdoor industry. Continuing with SOS’ method of first teaching skills and then providing the opportunity to practice those skills, this program takes the practice off the mountain and into the workplace. The initial phase is a two-week intensive that includes resume building, interview practice, guest speakers, site visits, technology demos, inclusivity workshops and more. Following that, teens receive a dedicated mentor/supervisor to begin their apprenticeship with industry partners. Teens are compensated for their participation and receive continued support throughout the job placement by means of weekly check-ins, feedback, and a post-program debrief from SOS and their workplace manager.
Partners:
- Vail Resorts
- evo
- Armada
- US Ski & Snowboard
- Optic Nerve
- Sonnenalp Hotel
- Oberalp
- And more…
CURRICULUM & SKILLS:
- Resume writing
- Interview practice
- Problem solving
- Inclusion in the workplace
- Communications
- Teamwork
- Digital technology
- Leadership
- Professionalism/work ethic
- Career management
Locations:
- Eagle County, CO
- Denver, CO
- Park City, UT
- North Lake Tahoe, CA/NV
- South Lake Tahoe, CA/NV
Inspiring Youth to Adventure Outdoors
HOVER TO Hear from Partners & Participants
“Though I currently have a job, I never had a resume or learned interview skills until this program. After doing a few interviews at Northstar, I learned that the person interviewing you is also human and they are not trying to make you nervous. If you don’t immediately know the answer to a question, it’s okay to ask for more time to think. I feel so much more confident about how to act in the workplace and am really looking forward to the first step of a career in the outdoor industry.”
-Juli Tapia Robles
“The career program has been a highlight for many employees, departments and teams. Vail Resorts is committed to ensuring youth participants who are introduced to snowsports and the outdoors through our Epic For Everyone Youth Access programs have a continued connection to the resort communities, sports, and organizations they have been a part of. As an SOS Alumni that has been given the opportunity to explore a career in the outdoor industry with Vail Resorts, I have been given an opportunity to stay engaged with my home community, snowsports, and long-term mentorship that continues to support me as an individual.”
-Travis Tafoya, Inclusive Access & Community Impact Manager of Vail Resorts
“My summer internship at North Face taught me so much about business operations through shadowing and working alongside their employees. The experience helped open the doors to other opportunities including my current job with SOS Outreach.”
-Fernanda Landeros
“This was a huge learning experience for me. I’d never been in a professional setting like this before, so that combined with learning so many new skills definitely pushed me out of my comfort zone, but in a good way… I feel like my experiences in SOS helped prepare me for the challenges I faced. I got to try everything from marketing to accounting and learned I did not like accounting.”
Avery Rognan, US Ski & Snowboard Career Participant, Park City
“This was a really great experience for me and I’m super glad I had the opportunity to be a part of this program. Working on bikes was definitely my favorite part of the job since I hope to become a mechanic one day, but at the same time, having to interact with customers on a daily basis definitely made me improve my communication skills which I think is going to help me in the long run.”
-JP Landeros, Christy Sports Intern
More Stories
bridging opportunity in the outdoor industry
For nearly 30 years, SOS Outreach has been committed to bridging opportunities for young people from underserved communities. In line with that commitment, SOS launched an extension of programming called the Career Development Program- a unique opportunity for our high school-aged participants and alumni to further develop their skills, and connect with our outdoor brand partners through paid summer internships.
press:
- Vail area teenagers build work ethic, confidence through SOS Outreach’s career development program
- SOS Outreach launches second annual career development program in Park City
- SOS Outreach receives $45,000 grant to expand career development
- SOS Outreach paving way for Lake Tahoe youth to turn passion into careers
- Polis Administration Continues to Boost Colorado’s Robust Outdoor Rec Workforce & Make Sure All Coloradans Can Access World-Class Outdoors