Goodwill Industries Offering Free Training to Help Employ Senior Citizens

Greenville, S.C.– Goodwill Industries of Upstate/Midlands South Carolina is currently enrolling participants aged 55 and older in its free job training and employment services program. Funded by the United States Department of Labor and in partnership with Goodwill Industries International and the South Carolina Department on Aging, the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) helps older job seekers learn new skills while receiving paid training at host sites including nonprofit organizations, state and local government agencies, hospitals, public schools and libraries.

“At a time when the labor market is experiencing historic shortages, this program is a win-win,” said Tiffany Foster, senior mission manager at Goodwill Industries of Upstate/Midlands South Carolina. “Senior citizens have the opportunity to get back to work while developing valuable skills, and employers are able to supplement their staff during this challenging period.”

Participants are paid the highest of federal, state or local minimum wage up to 20 hours a week while receiving on-the-job training. The long-term goal is for SCSEP candidates to increase their skill levels to meet employers’ needs while building financial security for their families and saving for retirement.

When seniors visit one of the more than 20 Goodwill Job Connections, specialists perform a needs assessment and then create individual employment plans, administer basic skills classes and assist in job placement training and the eventual transition to non-subsidized employment. The average time a participant is in the program is just over two years.

“Goodwill gave me the confidence and training to be part of the modern workforce,” said Iris Corley, a graduate of the SCSEP program. “I was worried about the technology required with so many jobs today, but they taught me important computers skills to make sure I was ready!”

There are currently more than 300 participants enrolled in the program having received training in areas such as customer service, administration, clerical, retail, janitorial, digital skills, and more. For additional information, please visit goodwillsc.org, email scsep@goodwillsc.org or call toll-free at 877-LETSWRK (877.538.7975).

Goodwill Industries of Upstate/Midlands South Carolina helps people become independent through education and training leading to employment. Last year, Goodwill placed 7,680 individuals into employment through its job training programs and Job Connection services.