SARASOTA/BRADENTON, FL – In its continued efforts to boost the employability skills of community members, Goodwill Manasota has forged a new partnership with Meridian College. Twenty-four students enrolled in the cosmetology department have benefited from coursework presented at Goodwill’s Ranch Lake community room on February 6 and 7.

These “seeking employment” classes were led by Heather Hale, cosmetology instructor at Meridian College. As part of the coursework, Hale taught students how cosmetologists find employment and offered guidance on what should be worn to interviews. She gave the students a theoretical budget of $25 and then directed them to select and dress in items from the Ranch Lake retail store. The class then discussed whether these outfits were appropriate, and why.

At the close of the class, students were offered the choice of returning their clothing or purchasing any items they liked. Goodwill provided each student with a $10 gift card toward any desired purchases.

“I was so excited to share pointers with my students on appropriate salon attire as well as the benefits of bargain shopping for interview and work attire,” said Hale. “We are grateful for the use of Goodwill’s community room; through the development of this collaboration, I’ve learned much about the wonderful work the organization does throughout the community!”

Hale’s plan is to include this class as part of Meridian’s regular cosmetology curriculum, in partnership with Goodwill, and hold it annually at the Ranch Lake location.

“We are pleased to partner with Meridian College to help students gain skills and confidence as they prepare for their future careers in cosmetology,” said Goodwill Manasota vice president Margie Genter. “Not only did they learn vital job search skills but they were also exposed to the value of resale shopping, which enables tight budgets to be stretched much further.”

For more information, visit experiencegoodwill.org.

About Goodwill Manasota

Goodwill Manasota is an industry-leading 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that changes lives through the power of work. With philanthropic donations and revenue generated by the sales of donated goods, Goodwill is able to assist people with disabilities, veterans, seniors, and those with other barriers to employment by providing jobs, job skills training, and free career services. For more information or for a listing of locations, visit experiencegoodwill.org or call 941-355-2721.