Goodwill Program: Hospitality & Tourism Training

“God guided me to Goodwill. It changed my life a lot. Hospitality training was something I was going to pay for and I got it for free.”

Tagging along with a friend one day, Lamine didn’t expect a trip to Goodwill’s corporate office to fulfill his career goals. His friend had gone by to inquire about job training. Not only did Lamine’s friend apply, Lamine applied too that day – a day he credits for changing his life.

“Once I stepped into the door, I found Goodwill had a lot of opportunities to make life changes,” Lamine says. “I took the test as part of the application process. I didn’t expect anything. I said ‘let’s go for it.’ “

A few months later, the 42-year-old was on his way – graduating from Goodwill’s Hospitality and Tourism program and landing a job as an assistant waiter with an exclusive country club.

“I was dreaming of working for this club. I’m so happy about it,” says Lamine, who secured the job before his graduation.

After graduating from Goodwill, Lamine sought more training. He received the Banquet Service Certification from the American Hotel and Lodging Educational Institute. Next, he hopes to obtain certification for banquet setup.

It didn’t take long for Lamine’s supervisors to embrace his drive and determination to grow within the company. Five months after starting, Lamine was promoted to banquet server. His next goal:  becoming a manager or supervisor one day.

Lamine says his job provides his wife and baby boy financial security and “100 percent” health insurance, which he’s never had before.

Lamine moved to the United States in 2001 from Mali in West Africa with a degree in accounting. After a brief stay in Philadelphia, he moved to Charlotte. He’s been successful ever since – climbing the ranks at a gas station from attendant to manager, and again in the valet parking industry from valet attendant to assistant area manager.

He had experience in hospitality back in Mali and Moracco, but it was “behind the scenes” hotel work in accounting and purchasing. Lamine says he was “always curious to see the other side.” He was missing customer service and banquet  skills. He says Goodwill filled that void and prepared him for the cultural differences of working in the U.S.

Lamine says his visits to local country clubs while working for a valet parking company inspired him. While in the Goodwill class, he set his sights on working at one of three country clubs in the Charlotte area. He says taking “risks” and being persistent have contributed to his success.

“Love something no matter the weather, the time, the day. Just do the best you can do to get it. It always takes risk to do that. Without risk, you can’t do anything,” Lamine says.

His favorite part about working at a country club: traveling the world – without ever leaving Charlotte.

“You get to meet a lot of people from different backgrounds and different countries,” Lamine says.

Lamine now looks at Goodwill differently. A longtime Goodwill shopper, Lamine now realizes how the money he spent can change someone’s life.

“I thought it was just retail or a place where you can donate,” Lamine adds. “God guided me to Goodwill. It changed my life a lot. Hospitality training was something I was going to pay for and I got it for free.”