Goodwill has long been associated with its thrift stores, a convenient spot to donate unwanted items and purchase goods at reasonable prices. However, few recognize the impact those transactions have in the community. As part of its expansive programming, Goodwill Industries of Michiana is working to turn those secondhand sales into a stronger local workforce.
Referred to as The Academy, Goodwill Industries of Michiana has launched an adult career and technical education (CTE) program that supports the skilled trades industry. The Academy currently offers programming within the auto, construction, line manufacturing, and utility line sectors for participants in Lake, LaPorte, Elkhart, and St. Joseph counties.
Dustin Patrick, senior director of Mission Services for Goodwill Industries of Michiana, said the program that started 18 months ago is a carefully-constructed bridge that connects those looking for stable employment and companies within the manufacturing industries that struggle with shortages of skilled and dependable employees.
“When we developed The Academy, we were very intentional with the offerings, which were based on the feedback that we gathered from employers. We worked with advisory committees, auto employers and the USIC, and we made an investment to really upskill individuals in our community who are interested in that line of work.”
Investing in Success
One of the most appealing features of The Academy is that programs are offered at no cost to the students because of the donations and shopping within the retail stores. With no cost to attend, many students who may not be able to otherwise obtain skills needed for skilled trades positions can take advantage of the training.
Goodwill understands that many adults cannot attend these classes without financial support. Patrick said the organization is aware of the many circumstances that can keep adults from being able to get training, so a voucher is provided to students to assist with gas and food, so they can thrive while in the program.
An investment from Goodwill is made to provide quality instructors from the local community tied to the industries that they teach. Opportunities for real life work experience are provided with partnerships, like that of Habitat for Humanity within the construction program. Local community members are invested in building a workforce that builds a stronger community.
Well-Rounded Work-Ready
The hands-on training is one aspect of each of the CTE courses. Patrick said the organization also provides soft skills training, which he said employers value as much as technical training.
“I am talking about showing up, being on time, being present, having a positive attitude,” he said. “Employers have noted those skills have been lacking, especially following the pandemic. So, we are stressing the importance of those skills to our students, and providing resume and interviewing workshops, before we streamline them out into the various industries in the community.”
Patrick said incorporating soft skills lessons into the hands-on training that will provide state-approved credentials and technical knowledge produces a more well-rounded education. In turn, he noted, that will ultimately lead to a more productive, reliable and sustainable workforce.
Expanding the Academy
In the 18 months The Academy has been in operation, Patrick said about 211 individuals have been enrolled in the program. Many of them, he said, are working in the industries in which they trained. He said that success stems from the qualified certified instructors who are providing quality training.
Changing the perceptions of the community to understand that Goodwill is more than a store is an ongoing challenge, Patrick said. The Academy is gaining recognition, with a waiting list of hopeful participants for the automotive and construction programs. Patrick said the programs are capped at 12 individuals at a time to keep the instructor-to-student ratio manageable. The nonprofit will capitalize on the power of social media as well as door-to-door marketing, and word-of-mouth from community partners, including Ivy Tech Community College and community service nonprofit Conexus.
Patrick said the organization plans to expand The Academy into additional counties and continue to meet the needs of the community with new programs, and as a nonprofit, explore grant opportunities in an effort to add that programming. .
“The feedback we are getting from employers lets us know that we are doing the right things. They tell us they are definitely seeing a difference from the clients we send them compared to those who are just walking through the door asking for an application,” said Patrick. “We are constantly reevaluating the program to make sure we are offering the most benefits to both the students and employers. We are excited about where it will go from here.”
