Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont celebrated the 100th graduating class of the agency’s Banking Training Program on November 20. The longest-running of Goodwill’s Occupational Skills Training (OST) programs, the Banking class has graduated nearly 2,000 people since its inception in 1992.

The Banking students joined graduates from two other job training programs – Hospitality and Tourism, and Construction. The special ceremony took place at the Carole Hoefener Center in Uptown Charlotte.

Click here to see event coverage from the Charlotte Observer.
Click here to see event coverage from WSOC-TV.
See pictures from the event: Facebook | Flickr

“The impact of this program can be measured by those who have graduated from the 100 classes and today hold positions of responsibility in our community,” said Michael Elder, President and CEO of Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont. “Our job training programs are made possible because of the generosity of our donors and shoppers. Together, we are changing lives.”

Goodwill’s OST programs are unique within the greater Charlotte area. In addition to hands-on training for careers in targeted industry sectors, students also receive counseling and career development services. Each of Goodwill’s services is designed to give participants the skills, training and resources needed to find and keep a job, which ultimately leads to personal and economic independence.

The nine-week Banking program has evolved over the years to meet the needs of a changing workforce. In 2005, a customer service module was added. The program includes training in Microsoft Office software, numeric 10-key, keyboarding, proof encoding, lock box processing and teller services. It also includes banking services and products and customer service etiquette.

“Goodwill’s Banking program has impacted me tremendously,” said Bernice Williams, who graduated in 2008. “It gave me the skills and confidence to pursue a job with a competitive employer. Having this job has given me the financial stability to raise a family and has created new possibilities. Without Goodwill, I don’t know if I would have been able to achieve some of my goals.”