Janitorial training program has brought stability to lives of over 600
A member of the Gesher Human Services janitorial training program is pictured during the paid training program.
A paid janitorial training program for metro Detroiters with disabilities and other barriers to employment, operated by Gesher Human Services one of the largest human service agencies in metro Detroit, has now trained over 600 participants in the 15 years it has been operating.
The agency has found that 90 percent of individuals secure employment within two months of completing their eight weeks of training, which is held at its Detroit facility (4250 Woodward Avenue).
Participants gain skills and independence and once their training is finished, they are awarded a certificate of completion, with creditable and relevant experience to add to their resume.
They can then work part-time or full-time in a variety of facilities, frequently through Gesher’s AbilityOne contract with the U.S. Government, an initiative which creates jobs for people with disabilities allowing them to work in federal agencies such as government buildings.
Good pay, benefits
Workers employed through AbilityOne earn $17 an hour plus benefits. Other places of work include hospitals, retail outlets, sports areas, offices and apartment buildings where pay varies from $14 to $17 an hour.
To qualify for a referral to the program, participants need to have an open case with Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS) or the Veterans Administration (VA).
“The feedback we get from our community partners is that the skills go beyond janitorial. Our participants leave with the soft skills necessary to be successful, and they understand the importance of meeting employer expectations,” explained Tara Forster, manager of Rehabilitation Services at Gesher Human Services.
Ken Alexander, Janitorial Services Manager, shared his experience hiring two recent graduates of the program who have successfully obtained local employment at a fair wage.
“Although each janitorial site/building is operated differently and come with their own idiosyncrasies, both graduates quickly adapted to their new work environment and put their skills to work,” he explained.
Shining example of success
Alexander himself is a previous graduate of the program who has progressed professionally and is now managing the Janitorial Contractual Services department at Gesher Human Services.
The program runs five days a week. Participants are provided with hands-on exposure, education, and training in a vast array of basic and advanced skills required to work in the janitorial field.
Orlandis Green, 20, of Detroit, said he enjoyed being a part of the program, and was trained in skills he didn’t know he was “capable of doing.” Green found a stable job he enjoys and is close to celebrating his one-year anniversary.
The road to stability
Another participant Donte Gardner, 44, from Detroit, has been employed for three months, enjoying his new janitorial job. He thanks the JTP program for helping him obtain a stable job.
“I am finally able to save for my own car,” he shared.
If a qualified applicant does not have an open case with MRS or VA but would like to be considered for this training program, Gesher Human Services can guide them. Contact Tara Forster at tforster@geshermi.org.
Metro Detroit businesses interested in employing trained janitors can also use this email for more information.
