meet lAbrandon nichols academy GRADUATE
what is the academy at goodwill? The Academy at Goodwill, licensed by the Arkansas State Board of Private Career Education, provides the training needed to secure new employment and advance your career. The goal of each pro- gram is to provide opportunities for non-traditional students to earn industry-recognized credentials and certifications that lead directly to employment in jobs that guarantee a living wage. We offer acceler - ated and affordable programs in a variety of fields. Scholarships are available to individuals who meet certain requirements.
LaBrandon Nichols embodies the mission of Goodwill Industries of Arkansas. He discovered Goodwill’s pro - grams through Facebook and joined the Transitional Em- ployment Opportunity (TEO) program, our 16-week paid reentry initiative. His journey began at the Goodwill Re - source Center (GRC) in Little Rock. After completing the TEO program, he reached a point where he sought to establish a career path. In discussions with his Reentry program specialist, Jamie Gregrich, he explored ways to transform his goals into reality by ob- taining a professional certification from The Academy. “After finishing the TEO program, Jamie told me about The Academy’s offerings, including their welding pro - gram,” LaBrandon explained. “We discussed it and I en - rolled immediately. I dove right in.”
Beginning something new can feel intimi- dating, but LaBrandon notes that the program is designed for partici- pant success. “The program is fast- paced and there is a lot to learn, but there is so much help and support. That is one of the best parts of the program – working together with others and being able to practice together. I was nervous, but I began to feel confident. Through - out the 16 weeks it builds your confidence. The different projects that you practice use the same materials that you perform your test on so that makes you more comfortable.”
About the academy’s welding course Qualified welders are in demand across the state and nation. The Academy at Goodwill offers a welding certification program focused on equipping soon-to-be welders with the skills to safely and appro- priately use welding equipment, torches and common hand tools used in the welding process. This course is perfect for an individual who has an interest in welding and wants to pursue a career as a welder. Classes meet Monday-Friday with intensive one on one instruction when needed. Enrollment is open for up to 20 students at each lo - cation. The cost of the course includes curriculum, books, in-class instruc- tion, access to the welding lab equipment, weld test certifications in SMAW and FCAW, and a welder kit that the student keeps after suc- cessful completion of the program. Financial aid is available to those who qualify. Payment plans are also available and can be discussed with the program manager at the pre-enrollment interview. Industry partners visit with students during the course to expose students to a variety of employers and job opportunities. Want more information? Visit GoodwillAR.org/interest. employee scholarships Goodwill believes in investing in our employees by pro- viding education and training to further their careers. The Academy at Goodwill Employee Scholarship pro- vides a full scholarship into one of the certification programs. Em - ployees who work full-time for Goodwill, who are in good standing and who have been with #TeamBlueAR for at least 30 days are eli - gible to apply.
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What’s next for LaBrandon? Having completed the TEO program and secured his welding certification from The Academy, he’s now pursuing his high school diploma at The Excel Center. “My next step involves earning my high school diploma from the Excel Center. Once I achieve that, I intend to further my welding career. My goal is to become a CWS - certified welding supervisor - and eventually establish my own business.”
learn more at goodwillar.org/academy
13 mission magazine / volume 1 / spring 2025
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