Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania and your local school district have partnered to help students with disabilities explore their strengths and potential career paths. With help from local businesses like yours, students will learn about different types of work. Hosting students gives them an opportunity to learn about employment in a real world environment, and provides businesses with the added benefit of previewing potential talent in a low-risk setting.
What should I know about hosting students?
- This is the first work experience for many of the students.
- Businesses are never obligated to offer employment, unless you want to!
- There are two different types of experiences available to students:
- Work Experiences: Students perform tasks related to a specific occupation, as an introduction to the expectations, duties, and environment your employees experience. Work experiences last 90 hours.
- Job Shadow: Students observe the duties and work environment of a specific occupation by “shadowing” one of your employees as they work. This type of experience typically lasts several days.
Goodwill provides these supports to businesses who host students:
- Liability insurance coverage through the local school district and Goodwill.
- A Goodwill staff member who will be a resource and support you and the student.
- Students receive a stipend from Goodwill for their work.
How can this help my business?
- Students can help with daily activities, reducing overall task loads for your staff.
- Successful and interested students may be able to fill your labor needs once the experience is complete.
What other things should my business expect?
- If you agree to host a student experience, A Goodwill program coordinator will reach out to you to schedule.
- One of your employees should be available to demonstrate how tasks should be completed.
Interested in learning more?
Quentin Taraszewski, Lead Employer Engagement Liaison
Phone: 724-961-6801
Email: quentin.taraszewski@goodwillswpa.org
|