NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
May 9, 2011
New program works with refugees and immigrants on employment and job training skills
Portland – Graduates of Goodwill’s first TeachME (Teach Employment and Career Help Maine) job training program will graduate on Friday, May 13, armed with skills to enter the local workforce. The graduation ceremony will take place at Goodwill Workforce Solutions (in the Portland CareerCenter), 185 Lancaster Street in Portland.
TeachMe is a new pilot program for refugees and immigrants in greater Portland that offers job training for individuals seeking employment in their new place of residence. The program offers soft skills training, such as interviewing, how to fill out a job application and professionalism. TeachMe also offers a hands-on and practical training component in the retail and custodial industries. The six participants graduating this Friday received job-specific training in the retail industry. Students received in-store training at the Goodwill store in South Portland (555 Maine Mall Road) for six weeks, in addition to classroom learning time. Participants gained skills in customer service, health and safety and store operations, including donations handling and operation of the POS (Point of Sale) register system. Participants in the custodial training will begin training this month.
Graduates will receive a certificate listing their skills and competencies. Goodwill Workforce Solutions works with local businesses to help the graduates find employment.
Participants in the program were referred by the Maine Department of Labor – Bureau of Employment Services, City of Portland Refugee and Immigrant Services Office, Catholic Charities, Portland Adult Education, Goodwill Youth Services and LearningWorks. Participant countries of origin include Dominican Republic, Burundi, Congo, Cameroon, El Salvador, Afghanistan, Somalia, Rwanda and Haiti.
Funding for the TeachME pilot program is provided by Coastal Counties Workforce, Inc. (CCWI), one of Maine’s local Workforce Investment Boards (WIBs). CCWI covers a six county coastal region which includes Cumberland County.
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About Goodwill Industries of Northern New England
Goodwill Industries of Northern New England has a 78-year history of providing innovative services that eliminate barriers to opportunity and help people in need reach their fullest potential through the power of work. Last year, we served over 80,000 individuals through job training and placement, career counseling, family strengthening services, youth employment opportunities, brain injury programs, and other community support services for people with disabilities. Our programs are funded by revenue from our 26 retail stores, grants, fees, and financial gifts. Please visit www.goodwillnne.org for more information.
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Contact: Michelle Smith, Communications Manager
michelle.smith@goodwillnne.org
(207) 699-0724
Cell: (207) 239-7225
