We partner with Goodwill Workforce Solutions each season for our Farm Skills Training Program. Goodwill Workforce Solutions employs participants during the program and provides job skills training to compliment our farm specific training. Each participant is matched with a career advisor who helps them develop career goals and guide them through potential barriers within the workplace. Near completion of the program, MFC and Goodwill Workforce Solutions work with participants to make connections with local farms and businesses that are hiring.

From Jeff Martinelli, Youth Program Manager at Goodwill Workforce Solutions:

Goodwill Workforce Solutions has partnered with Merrymeeting Food Council for several years now and we are so excited to continue collaborating for the Farm Skills Program. The Farm Skills Program has allowed our participants to take part in a valuable learning experience learning about proper ways to take part in responsible, sustainable farming. Our participants are exposed to multiple occupations in the farming field, allowing them to become better equipped in preparing them for occupations in farming. Further, the Farm Skills Program allows us to facilitate workforce development workshops, exposing participants to areas such as resume writing, interview prep, and digital and financial literacy.