Talent Connection

Bridging Local Youth to Real-World Skills in Escambia County
Launching Spring 2026

About the Program

In 2026, A Pensacola Perspective will launch the Talent Connection — a hands-on mentorship and job-shadowing program designed to introduce teens and young adults to skilled trades and non-traditional career paths in the Gulf Coast region.

Our goal is to give students real exposure to the people and work behind the industries that keep our communities moving — from electricians and barbers to bakers, mechanics, contractors, artists, and local entrepreneurs.

For Participants

    • Ages: 12 to 20

    • Residency: Escambia County and surrounding areas (Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, and Baldwin counties encouraged)

    • Experience Required: None — just interest and commitment

    • Requirements:

    • Signed permission form (under 18)

    • Transportation to and from location (case-by-case support available)

    • Willingness to commit to a 2–4 hour job shadow experience per week throughout a set period of time (about six weeks)

  • Participants will be matched with local business owners for brief, structured job-shadowing sessions that:

    • Introduce them to real-life tasks and decision-making

    • Explore different trades or community-rooted professions

    • Allow youth to ask questions and build mentorship connections

  • We aim to expose participants to a range of career types that often go overlooked in traditional career prep.

    Examples of industries include:

    • Auto repair & customization

    • Cosmetology, barbering, & grooming

    • Culinary arts & catering

    • Landscaping, construction, & general contracting

    • Printing, sign-making, and fabrication

    • Tattoo artistry & graphic design

    • Small-scale manufacturing or creative services

    • Mobile service businesses (cleaning, detailing, repair, etc.)

For Partners & Parents

  • This program is designed to be safe, flexible, and inspiring. Each shadowing opportunity is:

    • Pre-approved and vetted through participating businesses

    • Short-term (generally 2–4 hours per week) and low-pressure

    • Supervised by responsible business owners or designated staff

    We believe early exposure leads to lifelong confidence — and that every student deserves to see what's possible outside the traditional classroom.

  • For Business Owners

    If you’re a local business owner working in a trade, service, or creative profession and want to give back, this is a great opportunity to inspire the next generation. By hosting one or more youth participants, you help:

    • Share real, valuable knowledge

    • Provide a safe introduction to the working world

    • Build local pride and visibility for your trade or business

    All business owners are welcome, but we’re especially seeking businesses from the following demographics:

    • Black-owned/led

    • Indigenous-owned/led

    • Women-owned/led

    • Veteran-owned/led

    All participating businesses will be recognized as Community Mentors through APP’s platforms and programs.

Launch Timeline

  • Sign-ups open: January 2026

  • Business matching begins: February 2026

  • First round of job shadowing begins: March–April 2026

    Rolling participation will continue based on availability and interest.

Interested in participating? Let us know in the form below!

Parents & Students:
Complete our interest form to get notified when applications open.

Businesses & Mentors:
Fill out the form below and mention that you’re interested in becoming a business partner; we’ll follow up with next steps.

Just have a general question about this program or the services we offer? Please reach out at info@app-inviteonly.com to get the convo started~