Goodwill Industries of Fort Worth is among 125 local Goodwill organizations competitively chosen to be the first to provide digital skills training over the next three years, thanks to a $10 million grant provided by Google.org.
The project is called the Goodwill Digital Career Accelerator. Goodwill Fort Worth will receive a $50,000 grant that will allow the organization to engage in extensive learning and technical assistance opportunities to help enhance and expand training offerings.
“The Goodwill Digital Career Accelerator initiative means we at Goodwill Fort Worth will have one more tool to help members of our local community to build their skills and expand their career options,” David Cox, President & CEO of Goodwill Fort Worth, said in a news release. “There is no question that workers with up-to-date digital skills will be in a better position to advance in today’s labor market.”
The news release said that according to the U.S. Department of Labor, there are more than 6 million job openings in the United States, many unfilled because job applicants lack specific skills employers report they need.
The Google/Goodwill initiative will allow Goodwill organizations to enhance job training programs to incorporate changing demands for new skills in the digital economy. As part of the Digital Career Accelerator, 1,000 Google employees will volunteer with Goodwill organizations over the next three years to provide training and career coaching sessions, the news release said.
“As a baseline, employers look for workers and job applicants who can proficiently use computers and other electronic devices,” Jacquelline Fuller, CEO of Google.org, said in the announcement. “The Goodwill Digital Career Accelerator will greatly assist those hoping to get ahead in their careers and obtain the types of jobs that will remain in demand for years to come in a demanding digital economy.”
Goodwill is the world’s largest employer of people with disabilities in the world, and provides job training and career services for people with physical or mental disabilities and other barriers to employment including lack of education or work experience and homelessness.
Goodwill Fort Worth is funded in part by sale of donated goods at 23 retail locations.
More information: goodwillfortworth.org.
¬– FWBP Staff