Many people are familiar with Goodwill stores, and even Goodwill's retail training program. Far fewer, however, are aware of the broad assortment of programs and services that Goodwill offers, all of which contribute to a common goal - helping people overcome barriers to achieve the benefits and dignity of work. Our focus is to assist persons with disabilities and disadvantages to overcome barriers to employment through community-based training and job placement.

Retail Skills - The Retail Skills Training program helps disabled and disadvantaged individuals overcome barriers to employment by teaching them basic life skills and employability skills (covering the broad categories of motivation, attitude, decision-making, communication and money management) as well as retail specific skills (covering the broad categories of customer service, store leadership, stock rotation and cash handling) that prepare them for entry level employment in the retail industry or in a variety of jobs requiring customer service skills. Students also receive 290 hours of paid work experience giving them practical, real world work experience that tests their skills, and that can be included on a resume as real work experience. Entry level employment opportunities achieved as a result of this training allow graduates to achieve a higher quality of life that is more independent, productive, and meaningful.

Forklift Operation and Safety - The Forklift Operation and Safety Training Program is a one-day course designed to introduce the student to the design, characteristics, and safe operating practices of a gas-powered forklift and provide them with the skills necessary for employment in the retail, transportation, and warehouse industry. Included is hands-on operation of a forklift and the student must demonstrate proficiency in application of the principles of operation learned in the classroom.

Janitorial Skills - The Janitorial Skills Training Program is an eight (8) week course combining classroom lecture, video instruction and hands-on application of methods in a real commercial business environment. Students learn and perform a broad range of custodial and maintenance tasks that prepare them to secure employment as qualified, experienced janitors.

Office Skills - The Computerized Office Skills Training Program is a 10-12 week program where students are taught basic office and computer skills in a state of the art computer lab. Participants develop skills in business keyboarding, business writing, numeric data entry, basic office equipment, customer service, and telephone etiquette. Computer skills emphasized in the program include: introduction to personal computers, hardware and software overviews, operating systems, intermediate skills in MS Office programs, and the use of the Internet.

Certificate of Completion - Clients who successfully complete one of the above training programs will receive a certificate of completion and description of the competencies acquired in their training program.