The Goodwill Education and Training Center continues to provide employment assistance to individuals with challenging backgrounds. The PIES Program (Preparing Individuals with Employment Success) is designed to give participants that “extra support” in a group environment with people who are sharing the same experiences and struggles.
“We give them ideas about how to make themselves ‘stand out’ among the other applicants—networking strategies and interviewing techniques that others are not using. Anything that will get them noticed and make them memorable,” stated Tracey Cornely, Director of Education & Training for Marion Goodwill Industries.
The program also offers training on soft skills—workplace aptitudes necessary to maintain employment. Employers continue to express their concerns for the lack of these skills such as responsibility, dependability, accountability, communication, and ability to make decisions.
Through Goodwill’s collaboration with Marion Technical College, they are able to award successful PIES program completers with 1 semester of college credit. This is possible as Cornely has been an instructor for MTC for over 12 years. Scott Potter, Dean of Arts and Sciences at MTC, was instrumental in making this a seamless process. He recognized the program as a similar “careers course” at MTC and said he understands how the transition to college can be overwhelming.
“So, if you have even been thinking about going to school, maybe that ONE credit will guide your thinking in the right direction,” said Cornely.
The PIES Program meets on Tuesday afternoons from 1-3pm at the Goodwill Education & Training Center located at 345 E. Fairground Street. Appointments are not necessary. New participants are accepted on the first Tuesday of the month, with orientation beginning at noon.
For questions or more information, call 740-751-4282.
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