How does the MY FIRST JOB Program work?
MY FIRST JOB participants work an average of 40 hours per week in one of three Snow Mountain
Ranch departments and spend four hours per week in training. Participants that successfully complete
the program may be eligible to stay on as YMCA employees for up to four additional months.
Will I receive training while at Snow Mountain Ranch?
MY FIRST JOB participants receive 30-40 hours of structured training modeled after the KET
Workplace Essential Skills Program. These classes are taught by Snow Mountain Ranch professional
staff. Participants also receive stackable and transportable certificate training based on their
career goals and interests in one or more of the following areas: ServeSafe, Safe Food Handling,
Guest Room Attendant & Guest Service Gold, Safe Driving (and given the opportunity to obtain their
driver’s license), Basic First Aid and CPR. Additional training classes may be scheduled based on
the participant’s need and interest. The certificate classes are coordinated and/or taught by Grand
County Higher Education in cooperation with Colorado Mountain College.
What can participants expect to gain from the MY FIRST JOB Program?
MY FIRST JOB has been designed to assist successful participants to learn the skills, attitudes
and values needed in the world of work, so that when they return to their community they are able
to secure meaningful employment. In addition, because participants earn a wage for their work and
training, they can leave with funds that can assist in their new career or educational pursuit. Participants
have also reported secondary rewards such as learning about different cultures and diversity, learning
how to manage their daily lives (washing clothes, cleaning room, reporting to work on time, etc.),
learning to be responsible for their behavior (time management, personal responsibility, interpersonal
relations, etc), traveling (often for the first time on public transportation like an airplane) and
being exposed to a beautiful area of the United States.
What does the program cost?
There is no fee to this program. However, the applicant is responsible for the cost of transportation to and from Snow Mountain
Ranch. Participant wages, room, meals, fringe benefits and employee benefits (like free skiing and
snowboarding at several Colorado resorts) are provided by Snow Mountain Ranch as a condition of their
employment.
Who do I contact with questions or for more information?
If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact the Gap Program Supervisor,
Amy Williams, at
awilliams@ymcarockies.org or 970-887-2152 x4119.
What is the YMCA of the Rockies policy concerning Drugs and Alcohol?
In accordance with our healthy spirit/mind/body mission and federal law, YMCA of the Rockies has a zero
tolerance policy for alcohol or drugs on property. Additionally, no drug use is tolerated (including
marijuana) by employees whether on- or off-duty. Because the State of Colorado has legalized recreational
marijuana (and it is easily obtained in the county), employees will be challenged daily. Be aware
that Snow Mountain Ranch reserves the right to drug test applicants and employees. So, if an applicant
wants to use marijuana, they should not apply to the MY FIRST JOB program.
