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Skills Training Program

Goodwill of Central Iowa— Developing Confidence & Strengthening Abilities for Every Individual

Working Together To Ensure Success With Skills Training

New to the workplace, brushing up on skills, or interested in learning something new? No matter the case, Goodwill of Central Iowa Skills Training Programs are designed to teach industry-related skills, but most importantly, they build confidence to navigate the workplace, shape professionalism, and allow individuals to realize their potential.

  • Mix of classroom and paid, hands-on training with curriculum structured to put classroom learnings into practice alongside Goodwill employees.
  • Focus on skills for success in any workplace including soft skills like teamwork, communication and goal setting.
  • Weekly progress reviews, focusing on accomplishments and areas of improvement, paired with close communication with care teams.
  • Small class sizes to allow for in-the-moment coaching and focus on individual goals.
  • Opportunities to earn an industry-recognized credential.
  • Build your community and develop support that will partner with you throughout your journey to employment.

Skills Training Offerings

Retail Skills Training

This six-week program focuses on the basics of work in the retail industry including customer service, merchandise handling, pricing, etc.

This program follows the RISE Up curriculum, established by big-box stores like Macy’s and Home Depot, to familiarize trainees with what it takes to be successful in the retail workplace.

These concepts are put into practice in the Goodwill retail stores, alongside Skills Trainer, Monica, and the store team. Trainees have an opportunity to test to receive the RISE Up credential at the completion of the course.

Warehouse & Safety Training

This six-week program introduces trainees to the equipment, operations and important safety considerations associated with work in a warehouse or material-handling position. Trainees are coached with equipment like pallet-jacks, walk-behinds, and forklifts and cover topics related to inventory and OSHA standards.

Refugee Employment Skills Program (RESP)

The Refugee Employment Skills Program (RESP) is an introduction to the American workplace for women of refugee status. In partnership with Children & Families of Iowa (CFI), Refugee Alliance of Central Iowa and the Iowa Workforce Development (IWD), this skills training program is designed to set these women up for success in the workplace and in Iowa.

Meet Our Skills Trainers

Monica McClelland Cheers

Retail Skills Trainer

John Hasstedt

Warehouse & Safety Skills Trainer

Doug Snyder

Skills Trainer

Geeta Rahmani

RESP Skills Trainer

Our Training Location

Goodwill of Central Iowa HQ

Qualifications for Skills Training Participants

  • Individuals ages 18-65+
  • Documented intellectual and physical disability and/or mental illness with an Individual Service Plan (ISP).
  • Desire to develop skills for competitive employment.
  • Must reside within our 22 county service area and able to secure reliable transportation to our Johnston, Iowa Headquarters training location.
  • Eligible for authorization by HCBS, private pay, or other funding source.
  • Able to self-administer all medications.
  • Independent in self-care needs.
  • Not harmful to self or others.

Think Skills Training Is a Good Fit? Now Is the Perfect Time To Start!

Our Impact

46

Number of participants graduating from Goodwill Skills Training programs in 2022.

30+

Number of Des Moines area businesses currently employing Goodwill Skills Training graduates.

76%

Percentage of Goodwill Skills Training graduates that have attained sustainable employment.

SUPPORT GOODWILL OF CENTRAL IOWA’S SKILLS TRAINING PROGRAMS