Goodwill Works – attitude can equal employment
Our soft skills program gives participants the tools they need to find and keep a job.
What is Goodwill Works?
Goodwill Works is a program offered by our Job Training and Education Department that is designed to give participants the tools needed to find a job and keep a job by focusing on soft skills training.
What are "soft skills"?
Soft skills are the skills, abilities and traits that pertain to personality, attitude and behavior rather than to formal or technical knowledge. Without these basic life skills, it is difficult to succeed in a job. Proper workplace behavior, timeliness and communication are some of the components of the Goodwill Works program.
What else are students taught in Goodwill Works?
Participants receive training in proper job search techniques, resume building and other career skills. The program is tailored to their needs and challenges, not just attitudinal change.
Is Goodwill Works appropriate for everyone?
Goodwill Works is designed to be most effective for individuals with a fourth through eighth grade educational background. The program also addresses the needs of immigrants and refugees who may not have the specific knowledge needed to succeed in the American workplace, such as cultural competency, conflict resolution and basic money management.
How long is Goodwill Works?
Goodwill Works can be delivered as a series of workshops over a period of time, giving us the flexibility to adjust to the needs of our students. Goodwill Works modules are often incorporated into many of Goodwill others curriculum to provide the benefits of this training to the most participants.
Does Goodwill Works fit in with Goodwill’s other job training programs?
Goodwill Works will help us serve participants more effectively by blending “hard” – cognitive and technical abilities – and “soft” skills. Research indicates that soft skills acquired with hard skills produce more effective outcomes. For example, Goodwill Works will be integrated into the new Retail and Customer Service training program, producing more skilled and job-ready participants.
Does Goodwill Works offer post-program services?
Goodwill Works graduates will receive retention services for one year after completing the program. Our employment specialists provide follow-up to assist with and ensure job retention, sometimes including on-site counseling or mediation with employers. If a graduate loses a job, the staff will work with him/her and their network of employers to try and place the graduate in another position.
Where will Goodwill Works be available?
Goodwill Works training will be offered at all of our Job Training and Education Centers across the North Puget Sound, including Bellingham, Bremerton, Everett, Marysville, Mount Vernon and Seattle. This will enable us to help more participants acquire the skills necessary for employment.
Where can I get more information?
To find out more about Goodwill Works, or to participate, please email.
