A fresh group of more than 70 trained professionals marked their graduation on Thursday at the Snelling Center on Goodwill’s campus on Washington Road.
The Augusta Career Education graduation was for individuals who have completed their studies in fields ranging from future business leaders to logistics professionals.
“We’re here to celebrate students who have finished some of our short-term certificate programs,” explained Leah Pontani, Senior Vice President of Career Development. “So, we have a variety of students who have gone through Goodwill Career Education, short-term programs like EKG, phlebotomy, Certified Medical Administrative Assistant, and forklift operators.”
Among those graduating was Sharron Thomas of Augusta.
“I was studying as a Certified Medical Administrative Assistant,” he told ABD. “It means a lot to me. It was a launch pad that I didn’t expect. At first, it seemed to be a little hard. But as the weeks went on, it got a little easier for me.”
Pontani said the students come from a variety of walks of life. Some started at one of the nine career centers Goodwill operates.
“So, if individuals are looking for a new job or a new career pathway, we may get them with one of our career coaches to recommend a certification program. Others are just brought in by referral from other community partners or referral from a friend or neighbor,” she said.
Like Thomas, Pontani said some students come from non-traditional backgrounds.
“Many of them have not had an opportunity to pursue post-secondary education in a traditional sense, and so for many of them, this may be their first access to a real career pathway, and not just a job.”
Goodwill also offers language learning programs to prepare graduates for career success and increased participation in the workforce.
Thursday’s ceremony also recognized those students, including Pedro Hoyos, a native of Cali, Colombia.
“I’m here because this is the country of opportunities, because Helms College is the institution in town helping everyone with all resources,” he said. “They have done an excellent job. They have been teaching us, and I have improved my English skills, like listening, writing, speaking, and so on. So, I feel so lucky and happy.”
Thomas and Hoyos both have their eyes on their next goal.
“I’ve been applying to different places, but I’m looking forward to getting into a doctor’s office or a dentist’s office,” said Thomas. “All the medical fields. I don’t care what it is, because it’s about helping those who need help. Figuring out the problems, working with the insurance companies, trying to get the best payouts for the client.”
For Hoyos, graduation opens a door.
“My plans are to be successful, doing better, and try to go have the American dream, and English is one of the best tools, because being bilingual is like having two people in one,” he said.
Pontani said graduation represents the beginning of an amazing opportunity for the students.
“I think many of them say, ‘I didn’t know Goodwill did that,’ and that’s something that we hear on a daily basis. I think that many of them are hopeful for their future, and what that next opportunity might look like,” she said.
To learn more about Goodwill’s career training programs, visit: www.goodwillworks.org
