CMCC, Goodwill NNE partner on COVID-19 readiness training

A two story pale yellow building with a sign above the door that says goodwill

Photo / William Hall Goodwill of Northern New England has partnered with Central Maine Community College, in Auburn, on a COVID-19 readiness training program for its 1,200 employees.

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By Staff

Central Maine Community College’s Center for Workforce and Professional Development has partnered with Goodwill Northern New England on a customized COVID-19 readiness training course for the nonprofit's 1,200 retail employees.

The course is one of several that the organization, based in Gorham, has partnered on with the state's community college system and offers at no cost for workers.

Goodwill NNE officials said employees who complete the course get a badge showing they've been trained in COVID-19 public health protocols, which will benefit both employees and customers. The program also supports Goodwill's commitment to helping people achieve stability through work and the opportunity to continue their education at the Auburn-based college, officials said.

“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, Goodwill NNE 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.”

Employees who take the course created by CMCC will 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. The digital badge showing an employee has completed the training can be used to promote their skills on LinkedIn or Facebook.

Michelle Hawley, dean of the center for workforce and professional development at CMCC, said those who participate will have a unique opportunity to streamline admission to CMCC.

“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.”

The program is among several that Goodwill NNE makes available at no cost to its employees at CMCC, Kennebecc Valley Community College, in Fairfield, and Eastern Maine Community College, in Bangor. Employees may also enroll in HospitalityMaine's COVID-19 badge program or programs ranging from childhood development, computer skills, welding and more.