Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries
Serving Greater Cincinnati

How Hands-On Learning Eases Workforce Issues

It’s true: There are some things that books or a classroom just can’t prepare you for! While traditional education is important, when it comes to career pathways, there’s nothing like on-the-job experience. No matter what jobs you’re interested in, when you get a chance to experience what it’s like to work in that job or industry, you take away a better understanding of whether it’s the right fit for you and you’re able to make a better-informed decision about which direction to choose.

Everyone deserves the dignity of employment and the chance to discover a career path that’s right for them. Here’s a closer look at the benefits of on-the-job skills training:

Creating an Employee Pipeline

Job skills training is obviously valuable for prospective employees. But did you know providing on-the-job training opportunities is also a valuable decision for the employer? As businesses struggle to find the employees they need to keep up with demand, now is a good time to consider creating a co-op, internship, apprenticeship, or job shadowing program. These programs provide employees with a new perspective and create a pipeline for future hiring. According to the 2022 Spring Update Survey from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), intern hiring was expected to increase 22.6% from the previous year.

Experts advise employers to provide well-planned programs for interns that allow for a seamless transition to full-time work. It’s the best approach ““ for both the company and the intern! In fact, research shows that former interns stay in their jobs longer than employees who’ve never had an internship.

Goodwill's Logo
Goodwill’s Logo

Choosing the Right Career Path

At Ohio Valley Goodwill, we see the power of job skills training in action every day! Through our career exploration services, Ohio Valley Goodwill’s Employment Specialists help find job shadowing opportunities for local job seekers with disabilities, our nation’s veterans, and others who need a helping hand in their career journey. Through these opportunities, career candidates get an up-close look at what it might be like to work in the field and they are able to better choose what’s best for them. Once job seekers make their choice, Goodwill’s Employment Specialists will be there with them to guide them through asking employers for accommodations and helping them with the hiring and employment process.

Be a Job Creator in Your Community!

Ohio Valley Goodwill’s vocational services open the door to exciting career paths for individuals who might not otherwise have the same access or opportunities. It’s a win-win for local job seekers and local employers who benefit from a new employee pipeline.

Graphic: Donate and Shop. Change a Life.
Graphic: Donate and Shop. Change a Life.

It doesn’t matter what your career goals may be or how you approach finding the right job for you “” when you land a position that best fits your needs, you’ll enjoy self-confidence, pride, and a sense of accomplishment. Best of all, you can help others in your community obtain meaningful employment, too! It’s as simple as shopping at your nearest Goodwill store or donating your gently-used items to Goodwill. Your support will help to fund life-changing vocational services for job seekers right here, in Greater Cincinnati!