Despite the sluggish economy and slow store sales, the number of people coming through Goodwill’s programs has increased. This is often the case during slow economic periods when unemployment is high and people are in need of public assistance. More people are coming to Goodwill through referring agencies in order to receive job training and employment services in the hopes of finding work.

The majority of the individuals being served in Goodwill’s programs are those classified as economically disadvantaged. The number of new starts in vocational evaluation for the first six months of 2008 was up 19% over the same period last year. In addition, the number of participants in work adjustment increased by 42%.

One of the problems Goodwill faces with the increase of people coming to them for assistance is finding jobs to place these individuals in. When businesses are laying people off, closing or moving out of the area, it makes it more difficult to find jobs in which to place Goodwill clients.

The job placement program at Goodwill is used for those who have completed programs at Goodwill or for those directly referred who are job ready. The program assists those served by providing job club, job seeking skills classes, job site development, placement, training and follow-up.

The job placement program assists a person seeking employment in choosing, obtaining and retaining competitive employment. Client interests, background information and assessment results are used to find the right job for each individual. Although the number of people receiving job training services at Goodwill is up from last year, the number of placements is slightly down.

There are many advantages to hiring a Goodwill graduate. “Goodwill graduates are dependable, hardworking and we know these people,” says Robert Mitchell outreach worker/job placement specialist. “Probably one of the most important things is that we offer community work adjustment.”

Clients are trained in areas such as janitorial, laundry, light industrial, retail and clerical. Potential employers are invited to tour Goodwill and see firsthand how the job training process works.

If your business is interested in hiring a Goodwill graduate contact Goodwill’s job placement department at 330.759.7921, ext. 235.