From YouthWorks to WPI: Worcester Student Builds Skills for a Future in Architecture

As Aidan Laperle prepares to begin his freshman year at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) this fall, he is already carrying valuable workplace experience, leadership skills, and lessons that will help him pursue his goal of becoming a certified architect.

Laperle, 18, of Worcester, serves as a Youth Worker II with Recreation Worcester through the YouthWorks program. While architecture is his long-term career goal, his work experience has provided him with skills that extend far beyond the classroom.

His introduction to YouthWorks was unexpected.

“It was something I kind of stumbled into and ended up really enjoying,” Laperle said.

YouthWorks, administered by Commonwealth Corporation on behalf of the Massachusetts Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development, provides paid employment opportunities, career readiness training, mentorship, and workforce development experiences for young people ages 14 to 25.

Working with Recreation Worcester, Laperle helps support programs serving children ages 7 to 12. The role has challenged him to adapt quickly, think on his feet, and develop patience while working in a fast-paced environment.

“It is very hectic in a controlled chaos sort of way,” he said.

One of the most valuable skills he has gained through YouthWorks is patience.

“Working with the 7-to-12 age range I work with requires a lot of patience,” he explained.

Throughout his time in the program, Laperle has learned how to work effectively with people from different backgrounds, personalities, and age groups. He believes those experiences have helped prepare him for both college and his future career.

“It has given me the ability to work with various types of people from different backgrounds and ages,” he said.

One experience from his second summer with the program stands out as his proudest accomplishment. After getting off to a difficult start with one participant, he worked to build a positive relationship over the course of the summer.

“The experience I am most proud of is with one of the participants during my second year. We really got off on the wrong foot, but by the end of the summer that participant said I was their favorite staff member,” Laperle said.

Mentorship has also played an important role in his growth. Early in his YouthWorks experience, a coworker shared advice that continues to guide him today.

“Back when my temper wasn't so great, he gave me a piece of advice that I still carry with me: ‘You are allowed to be mad, but not at the kid,’” Laperle recalled.

That lesson helped him develop stronger communication and emotional regulation skills while working with young people.

As he prepares for college this fall, Laperle is grateful for the experiences YouthWorks has provided and encourages other young people to take advantage of the opportunity.

“Even if you think you might hate it, it can give you so many skills and experiences,” he said. “You would do yourself a disservice if you didn’t try it at least once in your life.”

For Laperle, what began as an opportunity he happened upon became an experience that strengthened his confidence, expanded his perspective, and helped prepare him for the next chapter of his journey. As he begins his studies at WPI and works toward a career in architecture, he carries forward the skills and experiences gained through YouthWorks.

About YouthWorks:

YouthWorks provides Massachusetts youth with paid work experience and workforce development opportunities. The program operates year-round, serving participants from 14 to 25 years old, with a special focus on vulnerable populations. Through collaboration with MassHire and local partners, YouthWorks aims to reduce unemployment, increase career awareness, and empower the next generation of Massachusetts workers.

Skills Development: Building the Foundation for Success through YouthWorks

• Focus on Soft Skills Development: YouthWorks prioritizes soft skills such as communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and adaptability, which are crucial for career success. Employers increasingly value these skills alongside technical abilities.
• Collaboration with Employers: YouthWorks collaborates with local employers to align the curriculum with industry needs, ensuring that the training participants receive is relevant and applicable.
• Mentorship Opportunities: The program includes mentorship components, providing young people with guidance as they navigate their career exploration and development.
• Career Pathway Exploration: YouthWorks not only offers job placements but also assists participants in exploring different career pathways, helping them identify their interests and strengths.
• Signal Success Integration: YouthWorks participants engage with Signal Success, a comprehensive career-readiness curriculum that strengthens workplace skills — such as initiative, communication, collaboration, and dependability —while supporting career exploration and future planning.
• Community and Networking: The program fosters community among participants, leading to networking opportunities and enhancing social skills.

For more information about YouthWorks, visit commcorp.org/youthworks