HOLLAND — Five students in the Young Adult Services program through Ottawa Area Intermediate School District were recognized as employees of the month for February.
Since 2019, YAS students ages 18-26 with special needs have worked at Tiara Yachts through the Ability Centered Employment program. The students hold paid, part-time positions where they gain valuable time-management skills, learn how to work independently, follow instructions and grow interpersonal skills that will help them succeed outside work, according to a news release.
Students earned the Employee of the Month recognition for their work in the composites area providing co-workers with weekly PPE supplies and tools and helping assemble small parts to assist in the prepping of boat molds. Program participants work in departments around the facility and support multiple areas with critical job tasks including insulation, wallcovering and completion that help to make the building process faster and improve production time.
“Working at Tiara Yachts helps our students learn workforce expectations, the value of every job whether it be big or small, and the importance of quality work,” said Jenifer Garza, OAISD manufacturing job developer through YAS.
After completing a year in the ACE program, students often transition to similar opportunities at MillerKnoll or Gentex, to further explore different work environments and career interests with some students eventually becoming directly hired at facilities.
“Tiara Yachts has supported our young adults with disabilities by providing meaningful work-based learning opportunities and allowing us to grow our role at the company,” said John Koerner, director of YAS for OAISD. “We are honored to have our students recognized by Tiara Yachts this month for their hard work and look forward to continuing this phenomenal partnership.”
"Partnering with the Young Adult Services program has been a rewarding experience for Tiara Yachts. These students bring enthusiasm and a fresh perspective that help us improve our processes and break down tasks in new ways while contributing to our organization as a whole. We’re proud to recognize their hard work and be part of their journey into the workforce," said Josh Murphy, talent acquisition and development lead for Tiara Yachts.
Beyond their workplace contributions, students build meaningful connections with Tiara Yachts employees.
“The employees at Tiara Yachts have been great with including the OAISD team, whether it is a company event, or an individual including them in a special event, or just taking the time to get to know them,” Garza said. “One of our students created drawings for many of the employees that are proudly displayed throughout the facility that really makes our students feel like a part of the Tiara Yachts team.”
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Carrie Murphy, training coordinator at Tiara Yachts adds, "The connections formed between our employees and the students go beyond the workplace. It’s been incredible to see how they’ve become part of the Tiara family, bringing creativity, positivity, and a sense of camaraderie to our team."
Businesses interested in working with adult students with special needs through YAS, may contact Koerner at jkoerner@oaisd.org or 616-738-8944, Ext. 4908.
To learn more about Young Adult Services, visit oaisd.org/yas. For more information about Tiara Yachts, visit tiarayachts.com.
— Submitted by Ottawa Area Intermediate School District. Click here to submit an article.
