Goodwill Program: Youth Job Connection

“If it weren’t for Youth Job Connection, I would be home wasting time and watching television. I feel successful now.”

Looking at Taylor’s resume, you wouldn’t know she is only 15 years old and a sophomore in high school. 

She may not be old enough to drive, but her resume already boasts two jobs and her aspirations go well beyond college.
 
Whether it’s experience in an office environment to working the front lines of customer service at Ben & Jerry’s, Taylor has quickly learned valuable work skills and work ethic – courtesy of the Youth Job Connection.

At 14, Taylor went to Youth Job Connection for help getting a job in summer 2008. It led to successful employment. Youth Job Connection is a job center for Charlotte youth operated by Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont in conjunction with the City of Charlotte.

“It took a bit of maturity to be 14 and get a job. It was an eye opener,” says Taylor, adding her sister, Jordan, also had a job at 14 and has been her role model. “I like what Youth Job Connection will do for me in the future as far as my work ethic and teaching me responsibility.

“Just seeing how hard my parents work gives me a greater appreciation for what I have and what I’m working for.”

Taylor says she benefited from Youth Job Connection’s interview and job search skills, which have given her “greater confidence.”

When Taylor works at the Ben & Jerry’s store in Davidson, she says the customer services skills are invaluable and have made her appreciate what goes on behind the counter.  Taylor landed her first job – working as an intern in the marketing department at Goodwill’s corporate office.

“If it weren’t for Youth Job Connection, I would be home wasting time and watching television. I feel successful now,” Taylor adds.