At Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont, we believe everyone deserves access to the skills and tools needed to succeed in today’s digital world. That’s why we’re proud to partner with the Center for Digital Equity (CDE) to bring free computer training – and free laptops – to people across our region.

Through the CDE’s ConnectTech program, participants learn essential digital skills that open doors to employment, education, and overall independence. With more than 90 percent of jobs in North Carolina now requiring digital proficiency, this kind of access is critical.

Classes are led by the CDE’s digital navigators and hosted at community-centered locations like Goodwill’s Career and Employment Centers in Charlotte and Gastonia. Participants build confidence using technology for everyday tasks, from emailing and applying for jobs to navigating online platforms for school and healthcare. By June of 2026, 900 laptops will be distributed to participants who complete the program’s required assessments.

Goodwill is honored to collaborate with partners like CDE, the YMCA, and others committed to creating a more equitable digital future for our community. Together, we are helping hundreds of residents gain the tools they need to build brighter futures.

Learn more about Goodwill’s free digital skills offerings at this link.

At Goodwill, we know that supporting people holistically means meeting a wide range of needs. That’s why we’re proud to partner with trusted community organizations to bring free tax preparation support to both our Charlotte and Gastonia Career & Employment Centers this tax season.

Christina has been with Goodwill since 2020. Thanks to donations and purchases at our retail stores, Goodwill is able to provide team members with services and developmental resources like Pathways, an internal coaching program designed to help team members achieve personal and professional goals. As a Pathways coach, Christina works one-on-one with team members to help them reach their goals – from buying a car or house to finding a career or preparing for retirement.

“We might work on a budget, or we look for scholarships or grants,” she explained. “Then I get to help them impact their careers, just like my career has been impacted at Goodwill.”

Like many team members, Christina started her Goodwill journey in retail. She worked in retail for 25 years before joining Goodwill as a Store Manager.

“I’ve always shopped at Goodwill; always loved what they did,” Christina shared. “So, I happened to be in the store one day and saw that they were looking for a new Store Manager. I interviewed, and they offered me the job at the Franklin Square store.”

“I loved managing the store, but I really wanted to make more of an impact in Goodwill. Once I found out about Pathways, I said, ‘Oh my gosh, that’s exactly what I want to do.'”

Christina interviewed for the Pathways position, and the rest is history. She began working on the Pathways team in February 2022. Her retail experience helps her bond with Pathways participants and allows her to assist in stores when needed.

“I have been in retail trying to figure out what the next point in my career needs to be,” she emphasized. “I help team members with changes to their schedule; what impact they can make to hit their numbers. I help them write action plans. All kinds of stuff that I used to do as a manager, I’ve helped them do in the Pathways program.”

Christina has helped over 100 people in her tenure as a Pathways Career Navigator. But even though she’s helped so many, she doesn’t take all the credit.

“A lot of times, I feel like I don’t do anything. I get to be their biggest cheerleader or their drill sergeant,” she laughs. “They’re the ones that do the work.”

Christina is happy where she is in her career and with the people she’s encountered at Goodwill.

“Since coming on to Pathways, my teammates have been awesome. Then any of our participants, they impact my life in ways that I can’t ever put into words.”

“What makes me stay is the people. Not just the people I work with, or participants. People that need services, our customers, people who donate their items,” she said. “I just love what Goodwill does and I love sharing Goodwill’s story with everybody that I come in contact with.”

If you would like to help fund Goodwill’s programs and services that are offered free-of-charge to thousands of community members and team members annually, consider dropping off your gently used donations at one of our locations or making a financial contribution.

In the City of Charlotte, a partnership between Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont and Charlotte Water is creating careers in construction and strengthening the city’s workforce.

At Goodwill, participants can take tuition-free training programs in construction and trade training, including Construction Basics, HVAC, Electrical, Commercial Carpentry and more. While completing the training, participants have access to wraparound services, including working with a Career Navigator, who helps them update their resume and conduct mock interviews, along with learning essential skills that prepare them to enter the workforce. 

“At Goodwill, we prepare our students not only with technical skills but with a holistic approach – addressing career readiness, life skills, and the confidence needed to thrive on the job,” said Marvin Kelley, Director of Construction and Trade Skills Training at Goodwill.  

Another strong benefit is Goodwill’s Employer Engagement Team, who connects qualified Goodwill graduates with employers searching for their next hire.  

“I build relationships with both parties to ensure the right fit and offer services like job leads, referrals, hiring events, and employer-led training,” said Matt Robson, Employer Engagement Specialist for Goodwill’s Construction & Trade Skills Training Program. “We emphasize essential skills like initiative, communication, and conflict resolution – qualities employers consistently seek.”

One of the strongest partnerships for Goodwill’s Construction and Trade Training program is with the City of Charlotte; in particular, Charlotte Water.   

Over the past two years, eight Goodwill participants have been placed at Charlotte Water through this partnership, with five entering through the apprenticeship track. The average starting wage for these roles is $22.13. 

Through a Department of Labor-registered apprenticeship program, Charlotte Water offers a 12-month paid experience that provides participants real-world experience in the water industry. Each apprentice is paired with a mentor and earns their Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with Tanker endorsement, a vital credential for advancing in field operations. 

Participants, several of whom come through Goodwill’s Construction Skills Training Center, are working, growing their skills, and preparing for long-term careers in the water industry. 

Armonte Massey went through the apprenticeship program and is now a Utility Technician I at Charlotte Water. Massey has directly benefited from the partnership.  

“I always wanted to work for the city, because my brother does,” he shared. “I was filling out applications, but I never got hired because I didn’t have the experience. [After completing the courses at Goodwill,] I went to a hiring event. I told them I was a Goodwill participant, and I guess that made me stand out.”

“At Charlotte Water, I’ve learned a lot. I’ve learned how to use more tools; I have my CDL and now I’m the dump truck driver. I have different certifications, and I’m eventually going to go to school to get more.”  

Shakira Townsend is another Goodwill graduate who has built a career with Charlotte Water. She has been working there since 2022 and is a Utility Technician II.

“To be able to take these classes and go into the community with the necessary skills – that has truly changed my life,” she said. “I am very happy where I am now. I go to work happy, and I learn something new every day.”

Goodwill’s Construction Skills Training Center plays a critical role in preparing participants for the next step in their careers.

“Over the past two years, our collaboration with the Goodwill Construction Skills Training Center has consistently produced participants who are well prepared, studious, and highly engaged in the learning process by the time they join Charlotte Water. Their foundational experience through Goodwill allows them to transition seamlessly into our apprenticeship environment and excel in their training,” said Paula Holmes, Workforce Development Lead at Charlotte Water.

As Charlotte continues to grow, so does the need for skilled professionals in essential services like water infrastructure. This partnership between Goodwill and Charlotte Water is not only meeting that need; it’s an act of investing in the future of the city and its people. 

“Our partnership with the City of Charlotte and Charlotte Water demonstrates what’s possible when education, opportunity, and community come together. Seeing our graduates in Charlotte Water’s apprenticeship program is a powerful reminder that when we invest in people, we build stronger careers and a stronger city,” said Marvin Kelley. 

If you’re an employer looking for talent that’s trained, motivated, and equipped with essential skills, partner with Goodwill to connect with candidates who are ready to make an impact from day one. Contact our Employer Engagement Team to learn more.

At Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont, construction training is more than just learning a trade – it’s about transforming lives. In honor of Careers in Construction Month, we’re highlighting three Goodwill team members who play a vital role in guiding participants toward sustainable careers in the skilled trades.

Verona Hendrix, Robert Johnson and Matt Robson assist construction participants in preparing for a role in the industry. As Career Navigators, Verona and Robert provide career coaching, assisting with resumes and mock interviews to ensure participants are ready to secure their next role. As an Employer Engagement Specialist, Matt works with employers to set up opportunities to find talent, such as job fairs and roundtables. He then works to connect participants with employers in hopes that they will find a great match.  

We asked the team a few questions about the work they do and how Goodwill’s Construction Skills Training Program is helping participants prepare for the future of construction. 

How do you support participants in the construction program? 

• Matt: I help close the construction labor gap in Charlotte by connecting participants with construction companies offering entry-level opportunities with growth potential. I build relationships with both parties to ensure the right fit and offer services like job leads, referrals, hiring events, and employer-led training. 
• Verona: Career Navigators provide comprehensive coaching and navigation services to prepare participants for the successful completion of training and employment in the construction industry. 
• Robert: I guide participants from enrollment to employment, helping them identify career goals, connect with training, and prepare for interviews. My goal is to empower participants with the tools and confidence they need to succeed in a high-demand field. 

How is Goodwill preparing participants for the future of construction? 

• Matt: Our program is forward-thinking. We’re constantly evolving our offerings based on employer feedback and market research. We also bring in industry experts to speak to students or lead training sessions.  
• Verona: We equip participants with essential and employability skills to help them adapt and thrive in the current and future construction workforce. 
• Robert: Goodwill combines hands-on training with essential career readiness skills. Through partnerships with industry leaders, we ensure the curriculum reflects current trends and technologies, like sustainable building practices and digital tools used on job sites. Participants also earn certifications and receive wraparound support, equipping them not just for today’s construction jobs, but for long-term success in a rapidly evolving industry. 

What does it mean to be part of someone’s journey toward a sustainable career? 

• Matt: I am very grateful I have found a role where personal impact is created as a result of the work I do.  It continues to motivate me each day because I know that my effort on the job is directly linked to better outcomes for both our participants and the broader Charlotte community. 
• Verona: It’s a wonderful feeling to help someone meet their goals and thrive in a new career! 
• Robert: It means everything to me. It’s about more than just helping someone find a job—it’s about empowering them to build a future they can be proud of. I get to witness growth, celebrate wins, and support participants through challenges. Helping someone gain stability and purpose is incredibly rewarding.

Why is partnering with Goodwill a smart investment for construction employers seeking skilled, job-ready talent? 

• Matt: Employers should partner with Goodwill not only because it saves them time and money on recruiting talent, but it allows us to continue to gain funding and offer trainings and other employment services at no cost to the participant. We emphasize essential skills like initiative, communication, and conflict resolution—qualities employers consistently seek. 
• Verona: Goodwill offers more than other construction training centers. We offer classroom and hands-on training and access to three certifications upon completion. In addition, we provide career coaching, essential skills, and access to employer networks. 
• Robert: Partnering with Goodwill is a smart investment for construction employers because it connects them with a pipeline of motivated, well-prepared talent. Goodwill’s training programs are aligned with industry needs, so employers benefit from candidates who are technically skilled, adaptable, and ready to contribute from day one. Partnering with Goodwill also shows a commitment to workforce development and community impact — helping build a stronger, more inclusive construction industry. 

September is National Workforce Development Month, a time to recognize the power of work to transform lives and strengthen communities.

At Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont, workforce development isn’t just a program, it’s our purpose. Every day, we help people see possibilities, seize opportunities and prosper through access to training, coaching and career pathways. This month serves as a reminder of why our mission matters.

As we celebrate the contributions of workforce professionals and the resilience of job seekers, we also reflect on the role Goodwill plays in helping individuals build brighter futures. The following Q&A with our president and CEO, Chris Jackson, offers insight into how we support our team members, invest in their growth and create a workplace rooted in purpose and possibility.

Q: What makes Goodwill a unique place to work, especially for those seeking more than just a job?
A: Goodwill is more than a workplace — it is a launchpad for success. People come here not just to earn a paycheck, but to find purpose, community and opportunity. Whether you’re on the sales floor, in a classroom or behind the scenes, you’re part of something bigger: a mission that transforms lives. That impact is what makes Goodwill truly special.

Q: How does our mission influence the way we support and invest in our team members?
A: Our shared purpose — see possibilities, seize opportunities and prosper — guides everything we do. It means we do not just hire people; we invest in them. We offer coaching, training and wraparound support because we believe every team member deserves the chance to grow, thrive and build a future they are proud of.

Q: What does economic mobility mean at Goodwill, and how do we help our employees achieve it?
A: As an employer, Goodwill is dedicated to fostering economic mobility by providing a supportive work environment where team members can move from surviving to thriving. We prioritize creating pathways to better jobs, higher wages, and long-term stability. Through tuition-free training programs, personalized career coaching, and access to vital resources, we ensure that every team member has the opportunity and support needed to advance in their careers and build a more secure future.

Q: How do our internal training programs and coaching services help team members reach their personal and professional goals?
A: In 2021, we launched Pathways, an internal program that provides one-on-one career coaching to help team members achieve personal and professional goals. Since then, more than 220 team members have achieved at least one goal — whether that be citizenship, financial stability, graduating from college, advancing in the career at Goodwill or at another organization or something else. This resource helps team members set goals, build confidence and navigate life’s challenges.

Q: What do you hope every team member feels when they walk through the doors of Goodwill each day?
A: I hope they feel seen, valued and supported. I hope they know they are part of a community that believes in them and is committed to their success. That no matter their circumstances, the people they work with and the organization they work for has their back.  Every day at Goodwill should feel like a step forward toward purpose, toward growth and toward a future full of promise.

Goodwill is one of the nation’s largest workforce development nonprofits. At Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont, we offer tuition-free training programs in high-demand fields like banking, construction and IT and help people in our community find meaningful employment. To achieve this, one of the most valued tools is our relationships with employer partners, who help us to stay informed on what skills new hires need. That’s why we frequently host roundtable discussions with employers in the industry. The goal? To listen, learn and align our training programs with the real-world needs of the industry.

“In order to make our technology classes industry-relevant, we have to go to experts in the field to help make sure training is centered around what employers are looking for out of industry-qualified job candidates,” shared Craig Kalhagen, Business Development Representative at Goodwill. “Roundtables are a great opportunity to hear from multiple industry experts at one time and allow them the opportunity to share their perspective.”

Our most recent IT Roundtable on June 11 featured partners from MSC Industrial, Bank of America, Mindlance and ADI Global. The discussion focused on Goodwill’s Data Analytics Training and included topics such as industry trends, relevant certifications and technical skills, what makes a strong analyst, how candidates can stand out in the interview process, and more.

All of Goodwill’s tuition-free training programs are developed through employer feedback to ensure we’re providing training that is relevant to industry trends. The Goodwill team takes the findings from discussions such as the IT Roundtable and applies them to our future programs, equipping participants with the skills that employers in the industry are seeking. By engaging directly with employers, we ensure our programs are not only relevant but also responsive. These discussions help us build a bridge between training and employment, leading to long-term success for both job seekers and businesses.

“At Goodwill, workforce development goes beyond training,” said Raquel Lynch, Chief Program Officer. “We focus on helping people transform their lives and connect local talent with employers. By partnering with employers and aligning our programs with real industry needs, we’re equipping individuals in our community with the skills and confidence to thrive in meaningful careers. These collaborations ensure our training is not only relevant, but also a powerful tool for economic mobility and long-term success.” 

If your organization is looking for skilled, motivated talent and wants to play a role in shaping the future workforce, we invite you to partner with us. Your insights can help guide our curriculum, your feedback can strengthen our programs, and your opportunities can change lives.

At Goodwill, we envision a community where equitable access to career opportunities is available for all. Thanks to donating and shopping at our 36 retail stores and more than 40 donation sites in the region, we’re able to offer training to participants in the community at no charge.

Employers can get involved in many ways – by joining roundtable discussions, visiting classes as guest speakers, hosting mock interviews, networking, hiring our graduates, or making a financial gift. Connect with Goodwill’s Employer Engagement team to get involved today!

This Mother’s Day, we’re celebrating the powerful impact of a mother’s encouragement and example – and how it helped shape her son’s future.

Rodney Bey II, now a Personal Banker I at Fifth Third Bank, had always had an interest in pursuing a career in banking, but he didn’t know how to get in from the outside or land an interview. That’s when he saw his mother, Cynthia Bey, step into something new with confidence and curiosity. Cynthia joined Goodwill’s BankWork$ training program after retirement, simply seeking a part-time job. Her ambition, even at a new stage in life, left a deep impression on Rodney.

“She ended up impressing them so much during the class that she was offered a permanent position,” Rodney said. “That was amazing to me.”

Seeing his mom – someone he had long admired for her professional accomplishments – embrace the challenge and learn something new inspired Rodney to follow her lead. Cynthia believed the program was a perfect fit for him, and encouraged him to enroll.

Rodney followed in her footsteps, joining BankWork$ himself. The tuition-free program, offered through Goodwill, equips participants with the tools they need for successful careers in banking, including customer service skills, bank regulations, financial products and cash handling. Cynthia’s support was more than a gentle push – it was the reason Rodney knew the opportunity existed. Her confidence in him gave him the courage to make a change.

“I’ve seen my mom accomplish a lot,” Rodney shared. “It was inspiring to see a woman retiring still be hungry to learn new things. It was even more awesome that she felt it was something suited for me.”

Just two weeks after graduating, both Rodney and Cynthia landed jobs in the banking industry. Now, they’re building financial stability for themselves and helping others do the same. And they’ve returned to the classroom as guest speakers, sharing their story to motivate new BankWork$ students. Rodney is thankful for the opportunity and feels the love this Mother’s Day.

“I’m just grateful to have a wonderful mom like her who is always keeping my best interest at heart and is willing to help me however she can. Her encouragement was very instrumental in seeking a new banking career,” Rodney shared.

Thanks to programs like BankWork$ – made possible by shopping and donating at Goodwill stores and generous financial contributions – families like the Beys are gaining access to new careers and building generational wealth. But this story is also a reminder: sometimes, the best example and cheerleader is Mom.

At Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont, participants enrolled in the nonprofit’s tuition-free training programs also receive wraparound services. Participants are assigned an Employer Engagement Specialist and Career Navigator who help them with resumes, interviews and more. 

Julie Salinas plays a crucial role in connecting training participants with meaningful employment opportunities. As an Employer Engagement Specialist for BankWork$, an eight-week training program that prepares participants for roles in the financial industry, she works diligently to build relationships with banking institutions, ensuring that program graduates have access to quality jobs. In this interview, Julie shares her passion for her work and the impact it has on participants and the community. 

Q: Can you tell us about Goodwill’s employment engagement team and your role in the community?   

Julie: Our team partners with employers to strategically align with our training programs. We work to advocate for our participants, helping them secure employment opportunities that match their skills and aspirations.   

Q: What difference does your role make for participants?   

Julie: It makes a tremendous impact because participants don’t have to navigate the job search alone. They have a dedicated advocate who can send referrals directly to employers, highlighting them as strong candidates. That extra support can turn a resume into real employment opportunities, and that’s a game-changer.   

Q: What inspires you most about this work? 

Julie: Oh my gosh – it can be emotional, and sometimes I even tear up thinking about the impact. Coming from corporate, where everything was about the company, and transitioning to a role that focuses on people – it’s truly rewarding. I get to help people build careers, not just find jobs.   

Q: You go above and beyond to foster relationships with banks. What does that look like?   

Julie: I make it a priority to visit banks in person, drop in unannounced, meet branch managers, and introduce our program. I grab their business cards and follow up with success stories and partnership opportunities. I also look for networking events – though they’re rare in banking, I dig to find them because those connections make a difference.

Q: How do employers react when you introduce Goodwill’s mission to them?   

Julie: They’re always surprised! The first thing they think of when they hear “Goodwill” is a thrift store, so when I explain the job training and career navigation programs, they’re shocked and impressed. That often leads to partnerships beyond BankWork$ as they learn how we can support their hiring needs.   

Q: What impact has BankWork$ had on job placement in the community? 

Julie: Seeing the numbers and success stories is incredible – knowing that people are getting hired and launching careers makes all the effort worth it. I work with an amazing team, and together we’re helping people build lasting career pathways.   

Q: How long have you been with Goodwill, and how has your journey evolved?   

Julie: I’ve been with Goodwill for four years but worked at another Goodwill location for two years before that. I started in career navigation, helping people secure jobs, and then transitioned to employment engagement, where I now focus on strengthening employer partnerships.   

Q: What’s your biggest hope for the future?   

Julie: That we keep pushing forward and never stop. This work changes lives, and I want to see it grow even more.   

Through her dedication, Julie is not just creating job opportunities – she’s building a career pipeline and changing lives. Her relentless efforts to advocate for Goodwill’s participants ensure that more individuals gain access to stable, rewarding careers in the banking industry and beyond.   

Love is about growing together, supporting each other and building a future side by side. This Valentine’s Day, we’re highlighting Olena and Bogdan Nikolenko, a couple whose journey through Goodwill’s tuition-free training programs is helping to shape the future of their family and paving the way for their continued success. Their story is a testament to how Goodwill’s programs help people in our community advance their careers, strengthen their families and thrive. Keep reading to learn how Olena and Bogdan are turning their shared ambition into success!

What inspired you to take a tuition-free training program at Goodwill, and which program(s) did you take? 

• We arrived in the United States two and a half years ago from Ukraine as green card holders. The first year was not easy, because starting life from scratch is very difficult – a new country, finding a new job, another language, new rules of life – everything is different. We constantly solved new situations that we had not faced before, which was a challenge. In addition, our daughter was only three years old and there was no way to leave her with someone to study in the evenings after work. But we constantly thought about the need to find education in order to get better opportunities for development. A year and a half ago, we brought Olena’s mother from Ukraine because of a very terrible war, and we got the opportunity to study. We paid attention to the construction sphere because Bogdan was working as a frame installer here and Olena got a master’s degree in the construction industry from Ukraine. We started looking for courses in this field and were very surprised to find out that Goodwill, in addition to stores, has such a strong base for training personnel. We both took Construction Basics in Summer 2024. After that, Bogdan took the Electrical training program, and Olena is currently enrolled in the Blueprint Reading & Estimating program. 

How has completing your programs impacted your lives and careers, and how has this experience shaped your future as a family? 

• Bogdan is currently looking for opportunities in the electrical industry. We really believe that he will be able to find a job as an electrician. Thanks to Goodwill, Olena received excellent opportunities for development, and believed in herself. Olena left her previous job and followed her dream. A month ago, she got a job as a CAD designer at a large international company, and we are extremely happy. This gives our family great opportunities for development and a belief that anything is possible. 

What are some of the biggest changes you’ve seen in each other since finishing your training?

• We became more confident in our abilities and gained new knowledge that changed our lives for the better.

How did it feel to be able to take these courses at no cost?

• Goodwill helps people get free training, which seems almost impossible nowadays. Anyone who has the desire to develop and learn can gain new skills and start a new life. It’s incredible. 

What are your career goals now, and how do you support each other in achieving them? 

• We really believe that we can achieve the best results in the construction and manufacturing industry. We will always support and believe in each other, give help with advice and dream about the future. In the next 3-5 years, Olena hopes to become a manager. Bogdan would like to work in industrial electricity and possibly get higher education to become an electrical engineer.

If you could say one thing to the people who donate and shop at Goodwill, what would it be?

• Keep going and never stop. Your contributions change lives.

Anything else you’d like to add?

• We would like to say thank you to everyone who is working at the Goodwill Construction Skills Training Center. We absolutely love it! The staff is so friendly and responsive; they are always helpful and supportive.

Happy Valentine’s Day, Olena and Bogdan! We can’t wait to see what all you accomplish.