Goodwill Program: Banking & Customer Service Training

“Goodwill made me aware that I was a valuable person. I would recommend it to anyone who is in the middle and needs to update their skills.”

Waliyya says she’s been “on a high” since starting her new job after graduating from Goodwill’s nine-week Banking and Customer Service training program. Today, Waliyya works for a human services agency in compliance and quality assurance.

The 59-year-old initially came to Goodwill two years ago after being “beaten down” working temp jobs for several years and unable to secure full-time employment. She had been laid off from a computer manufacturing company in 2001 with 35 years of experience in the field

Waliyya says Goodwill provided career change opportunities and new skills to help her find a job.

“I knew I had skills. I had been out of the job market for so long though,” Waliyya says. “It felt like I was laid off every 10 years from a company. It’s a terrible feeling. I always thought I was going to retire at each job I had.”

At Goodwill, Waliyya says she benefited from the 10-key and customer service skills, which she applies to her job now. Goodwill also prepared her for the job market, she says.

When she walked in to Goodwill’s corporate office, Waliyya says she was “so surprised” learning that Goodwill offered free job training. She had always shopped at Goodwill, but didn’t realize how the sale of donated items provided employment services to the public.

“Goodwill made me aware that I was a valuable person. I was so encouraged to learn new skills at my age,” Waliyya says. “I would recommend it to anyone who is in the middle and needs to update their skills.”

Waliyya’s success is why she sent her son, Khary, to Goodwill for help. Khary went through the OMITT Trade School at Goodwill, learning electrical installation and maintenance, HVAC maintenance, carpentry, plumbing, automotive repair and maintenance, and small engine repair.

One of Waliyya’s most memorable moments at Goodwill came when she was selected to be the graduation speaker, which she credits for boosting her confidence.  Waliyya says she is happy to once again have financial stability that comes with employment.
 
“I have been on a high ever since.  I appreciate having a job I can count on,” Waliyya says. “I love my job.”