Goodwill Industries of Central Florida and CareerSource Central Florida recently launched the Work Transition program – an Orlando-based initiative that is getting people back into the workforce. The new partnership is helping people land one of the more than 400,000 jobs currently available in Florida.
Goodwill Industries of Central Florida (GICF), in partnership with CareerSource Central Florida, launched the groundbreaking pilot program that empowers people to move from public assistance to stable employment and financial independence.
The Work Transition pilot program offers 12 weeks of training in four roles at Goodwill: donation attendant, store clerk, material handler and sorter. In an innovative move, the program gives every participant access to individual coaching from the following Goodwill specialists:
- Skills Trainer – teaches the fundamentals of each role at Goodwill • Community Employment & Training Specialist – fine-tunes resumes and conducts mock interviews
- Prosperity Planner – provides personalized financial coaching
“This collaboration with CareerSource Central Florida is giving people the skills they need to reenter the workforce and reach financial stability and independence,” said Ed Durkee, President and CEO at GICF. “It’s thanks to the ongoing support of Goodwill shoppers and donors that we’re able to expand our hands-on skills training programs and create sustainable paths for those who may need extra support. Many people just need a boost in confidence to know that they can achieve their goals.”
To help maximize their success, participants will have access to daycare and transportation services during their training. Once they complete the program, they can continue meeting with a Goodwill Prosperity Planner and will receive job placement assistance – either by being hired directly by Goodwill or working with CareerSource Central Florida to find another opportunity that aligns with their interests.
“This partnership with Goodwill Industries of Central Florida is truly impactful for our community. By combining our expertise and resources, we are opening doors to employment and creating pathways to lasting financial stability,” said Pamela Nabors, President and CEO of CareerSource Central Florida. “Collaborations like this drive real, lasting change by connecting people to meaningful work and empowering them to build a confident future. We’re honored to work alongside Goodwill on this new training program.”
Goodwill Industries of Central Florida has provided vocational and job placement services to tens of thousands of people living in Central Florida. Through 31 retail/outlet stores and 21 Donation Xpress locations in Orange County, Seminole County, Osceola County, Brevard County, Lake County, and Volusia County, Goodwill diverted nearly 24 million pounds of clothing and household items from landfills in 2024. Goodwill Industries of Central Florida directly channels more than 90 percent of its annual revenue into programs that enable individuals to secure meaningful employment, achieve their personal goals and thrive economically. CareerSource Central Florida provides comprehensive career solutions to job seekers and local businesses by helping them find and hire talent, train and educate workers, and provide innovative workforce intelligence across the Central Florida region. In fiscal year 2023-2024, CSCF served more than 46,000 career seekers and 4,078 businesses. CSCF placed more than 6,400 individuals in jobs and helped advance skills for more than 3,000 career seekers across Lake County, Orange County, Osceola County, Seminole County, and Sumter County.
