For Alain Carrera, Goodwill may mean Good Jobs.
Carrera, his wife, Josefina, and their three children, came to Arizona from California, where he worked in a warehouse. He had a two-hour commute each way to get to work and knew things had to change.
He had some experience as a handyman, and a family friend recommended he apply to the 2015 Certified Apartment Maintenance Technician Program (CAMT) at Goodwill, as a way of formalizing his training and possibly getting a position at one of Flagstaff’s many apartment complexes.
“I’ve been doing maintenance before, but I didn’t have the certificate for it,” Carrera explained. “So I wanted to do it by the book. There is no greater opportunity to a successful future than having a certificate in what one does for a living.”
CAMT is a partnership spearheaded by Goodwill Industries of Northern Arizona, Coconino County Career Center, Coconino Community College, the National Apartment Association and the Arizona Multi-Housing Apartment Association, with financial support from APS.
“The CAMT program is designed to help meet the needs of the local apartment industry for a qualified workforce in order to meet growing industry demands within Flagstaff and surrounding communities, while at the same time helping to put Northern Arizona residents to work in mid-skill jobs with career advancement opportunities,” said David Hirsch, president/CEO of Goodwill Industries of Northern Arizona.
Part of a nationally certified training program, the training allows students to learn about personal and property safety; electrical, plumbing, appliance and HVAC repairs and maintenance; customer service and satisfaction; and fair housing rules. Students also tour an apartment property.
Carrera was one of 13 students to graduate from the 90-hour program. He was immediately hired as a maintenance technician at the Rock Ridge apartment complex. Just six months after he was hired, Carrera was promoted to supervisor.
CAMT is one of several programs offered by Goodwill and its community partners to help overcome barriers to employment. Goodwill supports these programs through the sale of donated merchandize in its many retail and outlet stores throughout Northern Arizona. The organization also accepts monetary donations. Those who contribute can receive a 100 percent tax credit on donations up to $200 for individuals ($400 for couples filing jointly) under Arizona’s Charitable Tax Credit program. This tax credit is available in addition to any tax credit donations that individuals make to schools.
The 2016 CAMT program is scheduled to start at Coconino Community College on Feb. 1, with an informational meeting in January. For more about the program, visit goodwillna.org. FBN
Christina Caldwell is the director of business engagement with Goodwill Industries of Northern Arizona.