Charles
A vocational counselor with Department of Human Services (DHS) and a teacher at Sterling High School referred Charles to Business Employment Skills Team, Inc. for help with employment. Charles, a senior at Sterling High School, met regularly with Business Employment Skills Team (BEST), DHS and Sterling High School to review job search best practices. Charles was very interested in working around food. Through a BEST Work Experience Program, he was able to find temporary employment at CGH Medical Center. BEST paid Charles’ wage while CGH provided the needed mentoring. BEST also paid for Charles to obtain screenings needed to work in the hospital, and paid for his clothing and work shoes. Charles was required to earn a food handlers certificate and CGH worked with his teacher at the high school to ensure that Charles successfully passed.
Charles did such a good job that his supervisor wanted to expand his duties so he could be considered for permanent hire. While still in school, Charles worked to master the many varied duties in the dietary department at CGH. After graduation, CGH hired him for a full-time position with benefits and a $3.50 per hour increase in wages.
Charles now has his own apartment and phone. He is very positive about his future and says “Things are going great at CGH and I just love it there. Thanks for giving me this opportunity to really put my life together.”