Train diligently.
Work confidently.
See lives improved.
Be well-informed.
Why We Do What We Do (Goodwill Tulsa)
4/6/2015  |
(Updated: 04/16)
At TulsaWORKS, the team rings a bell whenever a job placement is made.
That sweet sound has been constant: As of March 31, TulsaWORKS had 117 job placements topping its first-quarter goal.
TulsaWORKS strives to equip people with skills, resources — and confidence — to find and retain employment in the community. A holistic combination of short-term training classes and case manager services provides students with the tools to succeed in their careers and life.
The usual track for a TulsaWORKS student looks like this:
- Complete the 1-week Career Readiness Training course, which teaches or enhances job search strategies and interviewing techniques
- Advance to Employment Essentials Training and/or industry-specific classes such as A+ Certification or Unarmed Private Security
- One-on-one work with a case manager, who offers individualized advice, guidance and connects participants with community resources — including Goodwill's Job Connection where students and the general public access professional placement services.
Altogether, the components help students begin a career path by identifying their areas of interest and where they could excel.
Ernest, a retiree and U.S. Air Force veteran, was offered a job with Tulsa Community College as client service support before he even completed his A+ Certification training at TulsaWORKS. Once he is certified, Ernest plans to finish his 2-year degree in engineering or IT, a pursuit he’d thought was out of his reach.
Anthony was living in a homeless shelter when he came to TulsaWORKS. But he had larger goals in life: to have a home, a car, and to someday manage a security company. Through the Unarmed Private Security and Employment Essentials courses at TulsaWORKS and the New Creation program at John 3:16 Mission, Anthony found employment with two security companies, moved into an apartment and bought a car.
These successes are what drive the TulsaWORKS team to keep ringing that bell.
TulsaWORKS hosts a free, no-commitment orientation on the first Tuesday of the month. Case managers and course instructors give an overview of the program's goals. Representatives from partner agencies share information on additional available resources. Classes are at 2800 Southwest Boulevard in Tulsa. (918) 581-1256.
