OUR PROGRAM

HopeWorks Job Training Program is a two-phase program offering job and life skills training for Snohomish County residents experiencing barriers to employment.

HOW IT WORKS

Hard & Transferable Skills

Job skills are “hard skills.” Hard skills include things like technical knowledge: how to make the perfect cup of coffee, how to perform landscape maintenance, or how to operate a cash register. Life skills are transferable skills, and include things like customer service, punctuality and communication. Both hard and transferable skills are necessary to succeed in the workplace, and HopeWorks helps trainees learn both.

Hands-on Training

We teach these skills through a training program embedded in four distinct businesses: Ground Works Landscaping, RENEW Home & Decor, Tomorrow’s Hope and Kindred Kitchen. Each training program is 12 weeks long.

Who We Serve

Our program is open to anyone in our community who needs our services. We serve people living at Housing Hope, in addition to participants from other nonprofits and shelters throughout Snohomish County. Each participant works with HopeWorks staff to identify their goals and skills and address any barriers standing in the way of their future success.

OUR 2-PHASE PROGRAM

Our comprehensive paid training program is a total of 12 weeks broken down into two phases. There are multiple funding plans available to participants, including a gift card model. Our program is open to all and we strive to maintain accessibility.

Photo of a woman leaning over another woman, sitting at a long table with a laptop.

Phase 1

Classroom Training

In this 4-week class, led by two designated trainers, participants learn skills like goal setting, communication, resume and cover letter building, interviewing, and translating their lived experience into applicable job skills. Participants will also have the opportunity to meet, network, and collaborate with other participants going through the program. Participants will also be exposed to community resources and learn about the different social enterprises and job training pathways. Focused on accessibility, there is no homework or tests.

Photo of a man with long gray hair, working on a piece of furniture in a used decor shop.

Phase 2

On-the-Job Training

After completing four weeks in the classroom, participants are ready to move on to the on-the-job portion of training. Participants will start working with a designated trainer at one of our four social enterprises and complete 8 weeks of hands-on training. Participants receive further support to develop their transferrable skills and learn industry-specific technical skills. Phase two focuses on establishing healthy habits in the workplace, including strong attendance, professional communication, and teamwork, as well as introduces participants to the industry.

During the program, participants are matched with an Employment Specialist or Education Coordinator to aid in securing employment or furthering education, through activities such as resume building and job searching.

Following the end of the 12-week job training program, participants will receive ongoing support services from their designated Employment Specialist or Education Coordinator.

Trainees can choose one of four different industries to pursue: landscaping, food service, childcare, and retail.