Goodwill of Southern Nevada (Goodwill®) has provided training leading to 70 jobs for previously incarcerated individuals and those living in impoverished and underserved communities throughout the region through Goodwill Train-to Hire programs benefiting from state and federal funding.
Two Goodwill Train-to-Hire programs have been funded by a donation of $70,000 from Project SANDI and the Governor’s Office of Workforce Innovation (GOWINN). 15 participants completed the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors (PHCC) program, while another 55 individuals completed the Stagehand Training Program.
“Thanks to the help from Project SANDI and Goodwill funds, the Goodwill Train-to-Hire program has successfully graduated 55 participants from our Stagehand Training program,” said Michael Miller, Goodwill Train-to-Hire Career Coach. “Ninety percent of participants placed in this industry are making an average of $22.50 per hour and look forward to growing in the field. Goodwill has remained true to our mission of reducing the impact of poverty in our community by helping Southern Nevadans obtain local employment and upward mobility.”
Raina Belcher, a previously incarcerated and single parent on welfare assistance who was last fully employed in 2008, is just one of the Stagehand program participants.
“Goodwill and funding from Project SANDI made it possible for me to gain employment with two separate companies, where I now make an average of $22 per hour,” said Belcher. “I can now provide a better life for my children and live a life that I always wanted for myself.”
Project SANDI’s funding allowed Goodwill to assist Belcher with certification and transportation assistance along with attaining the appropriate clothing for her work uniform.
“Stories like Raina’s are why we continue to invest in the communities and people of Nevada,” said Kristen Dwyer, grants and programs manager for the Governor’s Office of Workforce Innovation. “We’re proud to support opportunities that help jump-start the lives of individuals in our underserved communities. Through SANDI, we provide the tools necessary so that they can lead successful and rewarding lives for years to come.”
The PHCC program and Stagehand Training Program both provide OSHA 10 certification. Participants in PHCC’s yearly pre-apprenticeship course can apply once a year. Participants who take the pre-apprenticeship course can apply to work doing general labor with PHCC employer members, allowing direct hire and hands-on learning for future plumbing, heating, and cooling workers.
For more information about Goodwill Train-to-Hire Programs funded through SANDI or to find a career path meant for you, visit goodwillvegas.org/train-to-hire-programs or email a program specialist at traintohire@sngoodwill.org.
