After a two-year hiatus, we were thrilled to be able to offer our job training program to mentees interested in learning the skills necessary to be successful in the workplace, and connecting with community resources to help them launch their careers.

The purpose of the Allies Job Training Program (JTP) is to help prepare survivors in the Allies Mentorship Program to enter into the workforce through a supportive and trauma-informed environment.

Participants in the Allies JTP will:

• Commit to participating in a 15 week (3 hrs/week) in-person course working through the Job Ready Indy curriculum* with the support of their mentor.
• Have the opportunity for a paid, part-time apprenticeship alongside the 15 week program.
• Upon completion, be certified in 6 badges through the Job Ready Indy curriculum.

Our group of three students have just completed week 6 of the program, and shared what the best parts of the job training program are so far:

• “Free food!” (We do feed them pretty well each week, so I can’t blame them!)
• “It’s a safe space to come on Friday mornings.” (It’s an honor to be a safe space for them to come be themselves!)
• “I come for the people. They’re so easy to be with.” (Not only do we want to equip them with job readiness skills, but we want them to feel loved, seen and valued while they’re here!)

What have they been learning? Here’s what each of them shared had been their biggest takeaway from the lessons they’ve completed:

• “The difference between a fixed and growth mindset. I have to believe I can change and grow and learn to be good at a job.”
• “Professionalism – using professional language in the workplace, staying on task and how to use the Bcc in an email. I never knew what that was!”
• “Self-confidence. You’re lost without it. Having confidence helps keep you staying on track.”