Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Retail & Customer Service Training Program?
The Retail & Customer Service Training Program is one of several training programs offered by Goodwill. It is designed to give participants the specific skills and training to find a job and keep a job in the retail sector.

Why retail and customer service?
Goodwill is leveraging its 80-plus years of experience in the retail sector to teach participants the tools of the trade and give them hands-on experience that will benefit them as they enter the workforce.

What are students taught in the Retail & Customer Service Training Program?
Using the standards of the National Retail Federation, participants will learn how to:

· Use technology in a retail environment (cash registers and other point-of-sale systems)

· Work effectively as part of a team

· Maintain the appearance of a store

· Sell and promote products

· Process financial transactions and demonstrate cash handling skills

In the retail industry, a good attitude is important. All activities require teamwork, good communication and a willingness to work hard to achieve goals. Students will receive “soft skills” training from our Goodwill Works program. Soft skills are the skills, abilities and traits that pertain to personality, attitude and behavior rather than to formal or technical knowledge.

Is the Retail & Customer Service Training Program appropriate for everyone?
We require that participants have basic English, math and computer skills before enrolling in the program. Participants who need improvement in these areas will be referred to our adult basic education programs.

How long is the Retail & Customer Service Training Program?
Participants will take eight weeks of class time, Monday through Friday. After that eight-week period, they will be placed into a four-week internship at a Goodwill store, where they will receive on-the-job training and coaching.

What kinds of jobs are available to graduates of the program?
The program prepares students for jobs as customer service representatives, cashiers, merchandise planners and other occupations that require excellent customer service. Upon completion of the class, participants will work with our Job Placement Specialists to be placed in retail positions with companies like Lowe’s and Macy’s.

How much does it cost to take the Retail and Customer Service Training Program?
All of our programs are free. They are supported by proceeds from Goodwill store sales, generous grants from corporations, businesses and foundations, and financial gifts from individuals. In addition, Goodwill offers participants a monthly stipend as they progress in the program.

Does Goodwill offer post-program services?
To ensure they stay on the job, graduates will receive retention services for one year after completing the program. Our employment specialists provide follow-up to assist with and ensure job retention, sometimes including on-site counseling or mediation with employers. If a graduate loses a job, the staff will work with him/her and their network of employers to try and place the graduate in another position.

Where will the Retail and Customer Service Training Program be available?
The program is taught at our Seattle, Marysville and Mount Vernon locations, with plans to expand to our other job training sites in the future.

Where can I get more information?
For more information about the Retail & Customer Service Training Program or to participate, please contact us: Phone: Seattle - (206) 860-5791; Marysville - (360) 657-4058; Mount Vernon - (360) 848-9323; Shoreline - (206) 631-8457 or by e-mail.

GOODWILL JOB TRAINING AND EDUCATION CENTERS

Goodwill’s free job training and education programs are offered throughout the North Puget Sound. Hundreds of students visit our centers each year to get the skills and training needed to find a job and keep a job.

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