Building Real Pathways to Work – A17H’s Partnership with Jersey Mike’s
- Austin17House
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
At Austin17House, we spend a lot of time thinking about what actually helps young people feel ready for work. Not motivated. Not inspired. Ready.
Encouragement alone doesn’t do it. What makes the difference is exposure to real environments, clear expectations, and adults who are honest about what work looks like day to day.
We built our Training Academy alongside employers, not in isolation, because we want to understand what young people actually need to see and experience before their first job, so they don’t walk in blind. That question is what led us to our first business partnership with Jersey Mike’s.
Why Jersey Mike’s
We had the privilege of sitting down with the Jersey Mike’s team, and what stood out immediately was how much they care about people's development. Not just hiring, but onboarding, coaching, and creating clear opportunities to grow over time.
Learning about their Manager-in-Training program really stuck with us. It sends a strong message: entry-level work is not a dead end here. It’s a starting point. If you show up, do the work, and take responsibility, people notice.
For young people who are just beginning to imagine their future, that kind of clarity matters more than we sometimes realize.
What We’re Doing Together
Through this partnership, Jersey Mike’s is opening their doors so Austin17House youth can see what work actually looks like before their first official shift anywhere.
Participants in the Training Academy will:
Job shadow at local Jersey Mike’s locations
Observe real team dynamics, pace, communication, and leadership
Talk directly with managers about expectations, growth, and workplace culture
For many of our youth, this is the moment work becomes real. Not just something you talk about in a classroom, but something you can see, hear, and feel.
What We’re Learning
Jersey Mike’s managers are sharing honest insight with our team about:
Common challenges new hires face in their first 60 to 90 days
The habits that matter most early on
What actually makes someone stand out during hiring and onboarding
We’re taking that feedback and building it straight into our Training Academy sessions with practical preparation grounded in real expectations.
From Exploration to Next Steps
Jersey Mike’s has also committed to recognizing Austin17House Training Academy certificates as part of their hiring considerations for youth who participate in the program. This recognition not only builds community trust but creates those bridges that youth need to prepare for employment and look forward to leadership roles as they grow.
Why This Matters for Our Community
Workforce readiness doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It happens when young people can clearly see how effort connects to opportunity and when employers are willing to meet them halfway.
We’re grateful to the Jersey Mike’s team for the time, transparency, and trust they’ve brought to this partnership. Their approach strengthens our program and helps build a more prepared local workforce.
Ready to Get Involved?
For Youth & Families
Interested in hands-on learning, career exploration, and real-world exposure?
Attend an Info Session - coming up Wednesday, February 11th!
👉 Apply to the Training Academy
(https://www.austin17house.org/training-academy-for-attendees)
👉 For Employers & Community Partners
Want to help shape the next generation of workers through job shadowing, mentorship, or hiring partnerships?
Partner With Austin17House (Email TrainingAcademy@austin17house.org)
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