Imani | How Project SEARCH Helped a Young Adult Build Job Skills and Confidence

Success Story: Job Readiness Training for Teens and Young Adults

After facing academic and personal challenges, Imani joined Project SEARCH, a job and life readiness program that helps teens and young adults with disabilities prepare for employment. Through hands-on experience and structured support, she began building the skills and confidence needed to succeed in the workplace.

Goodwill is a proud partner of Project Search providing support services that help interns prepare for long-term employment success.

Learning On-the-Job Skills Through Project SEARCH

Project SEARCH is designed to help teens and young adults build essential skills for on-the-job success through real-world work experiences. Participants, known as interns, rotate through different roles while receiving guidance from trained job coaches.

With consistent encouragement and coaching, Imani learned how to navigate workplace expectations, communicate professionally and take responsibility for daily tasks.

Resume and Interview Preparation

As part of the program, Imani received support with resume building and interview preparation. Job coaches helped her identify strengths, practice common interview questions and gain confidence presenting herself to employers.

Building Soft Skills for the Workplace

Through hands-on training, she developed key soft skills employers look for, including:

• Time management
• Teamwork and communication
• Organization and task completion
• Professional behavior in the workplace

These skills are critical for teens and young adults entering the workforce for the first time.

Support From Job Coaches and Community Partners

Throughout the program, job coaches provided individualized support and encouragement, helping interns stay motivated and focused on their goals.

“Watching her grow in confidence has been incredible,” one job coach shared. “She shows up ready to learn and keeps pushing herself forward.”

Preparing for the Next Step

After completing Project SEARCH, Imani felt more prepared to explore employment opportunities and continue building independence. With strengthened skills and real-world experience, she was hired at a local bakery as a baker’s assistant.

Her journey highlights how job readiness programs for teens and young adults can create meaningful pathways to employment when the right support is in place.

How Goodwill Supports Youth Employment Programs

As a Project SEARCH partner, Goodwill helps support teens and young adults through:

• Job readiness and life skills training
• Resume and interview preparation
• Workplace coaching and encouragement
• Connections to additional employment resources

Together with community partners, Goodwill helps young people take confident steps toward their future.

Start Your Own Job Readiness Journey

If you or someone you know is a teen or young adult looking for job training and support, programs like Project SEARCH can help build skills, confidence and opportunity.

Explore Youth Employment Programs

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