Young Man’s Career Takes Center Stage

Michael, an at-risk young man, was unemployed and uncertain about his future when his mother, a veteran career coach at Goodwill, suggested that he meet with the Goodwill team. Michael felt unqualified for most of the careers that interested him and was daunted by the time it would take to find the right role. He recalls feeling “emotionally stuck and useless.” But his mother, who had helped countless other young folks in Michael’s position succeed, knew that he’d find his footing with help from Goodwill.

Michael soon enrolled in Goodwill’s Stagehand Training program and began to prepare for a career in the events industry. Through the program, he received essential job training—including learning to operate scissor lifts, forklifts, and boom lifts—and earned his OSHA-10 General Industry certification.

Throughout his training and subsequent job search, Goodwill provided supportive services to cover the cost of clothing and transportation, thereby removing barriers that might have stood between Michael and his career ambitions. “I feel encouraged to work hard and accomplish a lot,” he says of his experience with the Goodwill team. “I learned a lot from the training and now I have a job.”

Shortly after completing the program, Michael was offered employment with Rhino Staging. His dream, he says, is to “become a rigger and provide for my family.”

Goodwill lifted Michael to new heights.

Learn how Goodwill’s Career Services can work for you.