Program Gives Maine's New Immigrants a Leg up on Jobs

Working in a new country presents cultural problems; some as "simple" as being on time and shaking hands.    - - Donna Poisl

By: Patty B. Wight

As far as graduation ceremonies go, this was a simple one. There were no caps and gowns or speakers blaring Pomp and Circumstance. Instead, the conference room at the Goodwill Training Center in Gorham was filled with years of work experience from eight graduates.

"You guys ready?" asks Monica Driscoll. "Yes," they respond in unison. "All right--and again thank you for all coming to celebrate with us. This is a great moment and you're watching people achieve their dreams right now," Driscoll says.

Driscoll taught these students as part of Goodwill's Teach ME job training program. It teaches hands-on skills, along with softer ones like interviewing. Driscoll says it's those softer skills that tend to be the biggest barriers to refugees and immigrants finding work.
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