Say hello to opportunities.

We’re the most comprehensive workforce development program in Orange County, providing you with the resources and personal support to achieve your fullest potential.

Here for you no matter your starting point.

Everyone deserves the chance to expand their future.
No matter your background, we’re excited to help you accomplish long-term success.

HOW IT WORKS

With step-by-step support.

Get valuable work experience and personalized guidance based on your goals, unique abilities and needs.

step 1

Find the best resources for you.

We help identify the right programs, services or training that gets you moving toward your goal.

step 2

Discover career paths.

As we get to know you and your interests better, we match you with exciting opportunities at local employers.

step 3

Meet with dedicated coaches.

Our energetic, highly-trained team guides you through the search and interview process.

step 4

Prepare for real-life success.

We offer training on
money management, communication skills,
job knowledge and transportation to help you gain a true sense of independence.

Our workforce development programs.

Program
Employment First

Addressing Barriers to Employment is a comprehensive workforce-development program for individuals with disabilities. No matter the barrier, no matter your level of experience, the County of Orange and Goodwill of Orange County are here to help you find employment.

In partnership with the Orange County Workforce Development Board (OCWDB), Goodwill and the Orange County One-Stop Center will develop tailored job training, placement planning and employment services suited to you and your needs and goals.

The program includes:

  • Co-enrollment into Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA) Services
  • Vocational Preparation and Social Adjustment (VPSA) Training
  • Soft Skills Development Training
  • Paid Work Experience Opportunities
  • Job Placement Services
  • Referral to the Orange County One-Stop Center and System
  • One-on-One Guidance and Support from a Goodwill Job Coach and One-Stop Center Staff
Student Services Work Experience

Student Services Work Experience provides youth, ages 16-21, with a variety of disabilities with work experience training. Students gain work experience in a community integrated setting, earning minimum wage or higher. Work Experience training takes place over a three-month period and consists of 100 hours of work experience in total. Students participating in the Student Services Work Experience program will gain the following skills:

  • Soft skills development
  • Workplace communication skills
  • Customer service skills
  • Time management
  • Experience with the employment application process
  • Skills specific to industries of interest
Work Adjustment

Work Adjustment supports persons with a variety of disabilities as they adjust back into the work environment. Work Adjustment offers case management, behavioral management and support to help individuals develop appropriate work skills and behaviors for a work environment, including attendance and punctuality, communication skills, hygiene and grooming, work behaviors and social adjustment.

This program is ideal for people who have been without employment for a long period of time or have specific barriers to employment that have resulted in difficulties maintaining employment in the community.

Ticket to Work

Ticket to Work supports individuals with disabilities who receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and/ or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits find and retain meaningful employment. The program provides an opportunity for these individuals to learn new skills, earn more money, gain greater financial independence and meet new people.

As an authorized Employment Network (EN), Goodwill provides benefit ticketholders with a variety of employment services, job training opportunities and benefits counseling.

Employment Works

Employment WORKS is a supported employment program providing individualized job placement and job retention services to adults living with a mental health diagnosis. Each Program Participant works with an employment specialist and peer mentor to identify promising job opportunities, achieve vocational goals and succeed in the workforce.

Employment WORKS offers:

  • Personalized program planning and assessment
  • Job placement into competitive employment or volunteer employment
  • Unlimited job coaching and on-the-job support
  • Individualized benefits counseling
  • Work experience opportunities
Direct Placement

Direct Placement is an employment service for people with a variety of disabilities. Program participants receive job preparation and employment placement services, including employment application techniques, interview skill development, job search techniques and more. The desired outcome is sustainable employment for every individual enrolled in the program.

LifeLaunch: Grow Opportunities

A second chance for success. An opportunity to start a new chapter.
The LifeLaunch: Growth Opportunities (GO) training program is designed to prepare justice-impacted young adults, ages 18–24, for success in the workplace.

Services include:

  • Education and Occupational Skills Development
  • Job Search and Placement Services
  • Paid Work Experience
  • Conflict Resolution and Leadership Development Training
  • Support Services, including Housing, Transportation, Clothing and Legal Assistance

 

The LifeLaunch: GO program is made possible with a $4 million grant award, covering 86% of operating costs, from the U.S. Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration. Goodwill® is contributing leveraged funding valued at $667,414 to cover the remaining 14% of operational costs.

Looking to find your path?

You can accomplish so much more than you imagine. Our Career Pathways program uncovers your talents and goals to design an ideal career journey.

Start aiming high with comprehensive assessments, personalized plans and one-on-one career navigation just right for you.

Building a world with lasting employment for all.

Each year, we serve thousands of people like you who are ready to challenge themselves and transform their lives.

people served by Workforce Development programs in 2022
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hours of job coaching provided in 2022
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people employed by Goodwill of Orange County
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people placed into sustainable jobs in OC
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veterans served
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employers partnered with Goodwill to hire program participants
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Specialized programs.

Disabilities Services

Expand your possibilities with 1:1 work development services for individuals with disabilities.

Veteran Services

Find career support and community assistance with services founded by veterans for veterans.

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