From Goodwill Industries of Central Florida
It's important for teenagers to experience hands-on job training. It can significantly enhance their personal and professional development. By stepping into the workforce, young individuals not only gain invaluable experience but also learn essential skills that will benefit them in their future careers.
Goodwill Industries of Central Florida (GICF) recently expanded its job training program to serve local high school students and provide them with hands-on experience by working in seven of its stores.
The partnership with Orange, Seminole and Lake County school districts allows for 60 Exceptional Student Education (ESE) students to shadow and train with Goodwill employees at the Leesburg, Clermont, Winter Garden, Apopka, Curry Ford, West Sanford and Oviedo locations. Since August, participants have worked in a variety of jobs, including donation attendants, processors, store clerks and sorters.
“Our partnership with the school districts is a vital step in helping students gain the essential job skills they need to thrive independently,” said Ed Durkee, President and CEO at GICF. "By providing hands-on work experience, we’re giving students the steppingstones they need to achieve their own goals in life."
Donations of unwanted or no longer needed household items allow Goodwill to create jobs and support employment training services for Central Floridians.
For more information about Goodwill, its job programs and how to apply to work at the organization, visit www.GoodwillCFL.org.
About Goodwill Industries of Central Florida, Inc. (GICF)
For 65 years, Goodwill Industries of Central Florida has provided vocational and job placement services to tens of thousands of people living in Central Florida. Through 31 retail/outlet stores and 18 Donation Xpress locations in Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Brevard, Lake and Volusia counties, Goodwill diverted nearly 24 million pounds of clothing and household items from landfills in 2023. Goodwill Industries of Central Florida directly channels more than 90 percent of its annual revenue into programs that enable individuals to secure meaningful employment, achieve their personal goals and thrive economically.
