Nevada County Habitat ReStore has initiated a program that will prepare young people to enter the workplace with a set of basic skills. The program is designed to allow the children and grandchildren of current ReStore staff members to serve as interns at the store. Many of these young people (age 16-21) are seeking their first job, and experience helps.
“We wanted to give these young people the best opportunity to succeed,” Says ReStore General Manager, Mary Gill. “As an employer we look for some basic skills that every applicant needs to have. We wanted to give young people something to put on a job application.”
The program is designed to provide participants with the opportunity to learn basic customer service practices, enhance interpersonal communications, strengthen math skills, learn office etiquette, undergo basic occupational safety training, and gain experience in working effectively within a team.
Participants will be allowed to work within the store two days per week for no more than four hours per shift. ReStore staff works with and monitors the youth participants.
The first participant in the program, Ethan, is the son of one of ReStore’s most recently hired staff members, Jennifer Poppin. Ethan agrees that this program is providing an effective introduction to the working world. A hard worker with a positive attitude, Ethan communicates directly with customers, helps move priced items to the sales floor, and has learned how to calculate construction materials.
“Nevada County Habitat is always looking to create positive outcomes for the community.” says Lorraine Larson, Nevada County Habitat Executive Director. “Part of that is using our resources to help where we can. This program at ReStore, repairing young people to become good employees who can enjoy success and bring value, definitely contributes to our mission.”