CMCC, Goodwill partner on COVID-19 Readiness training

AUBURN — Central Maine Community College’s Center for Workforce and Professional Development has partnered with Goodwill Northern New England to create a customized COVID-19 Readiness training course for 1,200 Goodwill NNE retail employees.
Employees who take the course learn the latest COVID-19 safety protocols and how to apply them in the retail environment, including reducing risk to employees, team members and customers while conducting business at Goodwill NNE’s employment, donation, and shopping centers. Employees who complete the training will earn a digital badge in COVID-19 Readiness Retail Foundations, which they can use to promote their skills on LinkedIn or Facebook.
“This pilot allows us to enhance the already exemplary safety of our employees and shoppers by leveraging Goodwill’s effective COVID-19 safety training for employees, and CMCC’s expertise in delivering training and professional development,” said Kossi Gamedah, senior vice president of retail operations. “We look forward to building on this collaboration, as we continue to provide our employees with a safe place to work, and our shoppers with continued opportunities to help support Goodwill’s mission by purchasing the essential items and supplies they need.”
The program also supports Goodwill NNE’s commitment to helping people achieve stability through work. Michelle Hawley, dean of the center for workforce and professional development at CMCC, notes the training also provides a unique opportunity for participants to streamline admission to Central Maine Community College, where they may further their educational goals by earning a college degree.
“We are pleased to be working with Goodwill NNE on this training effort. Not only are we helping to train for pandemic safety, but we are setting the stage for lifelong learning,” Hawley said. “We hope the experience will provide the learners with the confidence to further their education.”