Two classes are being offered in 2023, beginning May 8th and June 5th 2023. These 8-week training programs prepare young adults to work in a grocery or retail setting. Classes are offered 3 days per week on Zoom from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for the first 4 weeks. During the second 4 weeks, participants complete 10-hours per week of a paid internship at a local grocery store, including Whole Foods, Price Chopper, Shaws or Market Basket. Interns are paid the starting hourly rate for their place of employment. This training teaches the essentials of various grocery store positions. Topics covered include:
- Understanding Grocery Departments
- Cashiering Fundamentals
- Safe Food Handling, Cleaning and Maintenance
- Stocking and Facing Shelves
- Ergonomic Lifting and workplace Codes of Conduct
- Superior Customer Service and Professionalism
- Current Health and Safety Standards
The training prepares participants to apply and interview for a job at the store where they interned. Work hours are flexible -
anywhere from 10-40 hours per week (if hours are available). Starting wages range from $15 to $17 per hour, depending upon
store and location. Candidates must be:
- A Massachusetts resident aged 18-35
- Have a self-disclosed disability
- Are currently unemployed or underemployed
- Are currently not enrolled in high school (though can be part of a transition program)
This training is grant funded and is FREE to participants who are interested in working at a grocery or other retail store upon completion. Space is limited. This is a train to work program, meaning that there is an expectation that graduates will actively pursue employment upon completion of the training and internship. To learn more or to set up a virtual interview, please email Stacy McGrath smcgrath [at] poluscenter.org.
Please include your phone number, address and affiliated support agency if you have one. Each class is limited to 10-12 participants so please email today!