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About

Goodwill Southwestern Pennsylvania Announces Open Enrollment for IMPACT Programs

Posted on October 20, 2023 by Sydney Weiland

YouthWorks implements two young adult job training initiatives

PITTSBURGH, PA: October 11th, 2023 – Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania today announced open enrollment for two innovative programs aimed at transforming the prospects of young adults aged 17-24 within the YouthWorks program. These initiatives, the IMPACT Retail Training Program and the IMPACT Job Search Program, are designed to address the critical need for job readiness, skills development, and employment opportunities for this dynamic age group.

The IMPACT Retail Training Program offers a 12-week journey to equip young adults with the skills and experience vital for thriving in the retail sector. Participants gain hands-on retail experience and access to comprehensive soft skills training. Notably, successful program completion guarantees job placement at a local Goodwill store. “Being a part of the IMPACT Retail Training Program was a game-changer for me,” added Skyler Clemens, a 2021 Program Graduate and current employee at the Lawrenceville Goodwill Retail Store. “The real-world experience, practical skills, and the assurance of a job placement have been instrumental in shaping my career. I owe much of my success today to this program; it’s been a true stepping stone.”

The Retail Training Program’s curriculum begins with JumpStart Success, a two-week intensive focusing on communication, resume building, customer service, and career goal setting. The subsequent ten weeks immerse participants in the daily operations of a Goodwill store, with rotations across various roles. This program not only opens doors to immediate employment but also offers a career path, with opportunities for advancement into entry-level management positions, complete with benefits. Extensive support, including transportation assistance, employment services, financial literacy guidance, and year-long follow-up, ensures participants’ success.

The IMPACT Job Search Program empowers young adults to navigate the job market with confidence. This program provides personalized support to craft compelling resumes, master interview skills, and establish direct connections with local employers. With a focus on job readiness, participants receive guidance for successful job searches and maintain employment. The program offers transportation assistance, employment services, financial literacy guidance, and dedicated case workers. High school diploma or GED not required for eligibility.

“Through our IMPACT programs, we’re not just changing the lives of young adults; we’re reshaping the future workforce,” said Tiffanee Heywood, Director of YouthWorks at Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania. “These initiatives offer the skills, experience, and opportunities needed for sustainable careers and self-reliance, unlocking a brighter tomorrow for our youth.”

These initiatives represent a significant investment in the future of our youth. Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania remains steadfast in its commitment to equitable workforce development and prepares young adults for thriving careers and self-sufficiency.

Those interested in enrolling or learning more can visit IMPACT’s webpage at https://www.goodwillswpa.org/life-changing-services/employment-services/youth-workforce-development/impact/ or call 412-632-1742.

The IMPACT Programs are a follow up to the YouthWorks Initiative launched in 1994 by the Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania. YouthWorks empowers Pittsburgh-area youth, particularly from disadvantaged communities, to unlock their full potential through career-building experiences and opportunities, fostering social and economic upward mobility for over 23,000 young individuals in southwestern Pennsylvania. Since its creation 8 years ago, both IMPACT programs have had significant growth and highlight the need for more career readiness programs catered to young adults.

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