Programs and Classes

At Goodwill we offer the following types of classes free to the community. Specific classes and schedules vary by location, so be sure to contact one of our Job Training & Education centers for more information.

Basic Skills and GED Preparation Classes

Fill gaps in your education and refresh your skills in math, reading, writing and language.  Practical lessons with real-world examples prepare you for employment and life applications. You can also take a class to help you prepare for your official GED (General Educational Development) tests in math, language arts, reading, writing, social studies and science. The GED Preparation class includes group lessons and individualized instruction.

Career Pathways Program

Career Pathways, which includes our Community College 101 class, prepares students to take that next step up towards a community college or a technical training program.  We then support you during your transition and first year of community college so you can successfully complete your studies and earn a degree or certificate.

Cashiering

These classes teach the customer service skills, basic math and counting skills, and cash register procedures that you will need for entry-level cashiering positions.

Computer Classes

If you have little or no computer experience, you can learn keyboarding, data entry, email and internet use, internet job searching, and common office applications including Word, Excel and Outlook. We also teach computer basics for people who speak little or no English.

Drop-In Labs

During scheduled times, Goodwill adult learners and community members can visit our Job Training & Education centers to use computers, search for jobs, do homework and use computer programs and software.  Some labs are specifically for job searching or using the language software Rosetta Stone, but others are open for all of the above uses.

English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Classes

Speakers of other languages can learn to speak, read and write English.  Classes are designed for a range of skill levels, from pre-literacy to advanced.  You can also take a citizenship class to help prepare for the US naturalization interview.

Green Corps Program

This program, offered by Goodwill in partnership with Seattle Parks and Recreation, helps unemployed young adults 18-24 prepare for their GED while learning life and career skills and getting on-the-job training in parks maintenance and environmental practices.

Re-Entry Class

This intensive eight-week class helps recently released offenders overcome barriers during their transition back into the community.  The course combines class instruction with field trips, guest presentations, community-resource events and support services.

Retail and Customer Service Program

This nine-week training program gives participants the skills they need to work successfully in a retail environment. The program combines seven weeks of in-class instruction with two weeks of on-the-job training in a Seattle Goodwill Retail Store.  When you finish the program, we will help you with your search for a job.

Workshops

If you aren’t sure if you need to take an entire class but would like to improve your education and skills, you can take one of our workshops, which are offered at our job training centers and at other community organizations.  Topics include online job search, teamwork and communication, paying for college, budgeting your money, and more.

Youth Year-Round Program

During this year-long program, high school youth ages 15 to 17 learn skills to succeed in high school, basic retail and customer service skills, and how to prepare for college or a career, all while working in Seattle parks.