Preparation Meets Opportunity
“Without SkillSource I wouldn’t have known to apply, they helped me get the job I have now,” Malakai M., Grocery Outlet employee.
It isn’t unusual for someone to know that they need a job, but to not know where to begin. It might not be as simple as walking into a business and asking to be hired, but it can be as simple as walking into SkillSource and asking “Where do I start?”
As a partner in our area’s workforce development system, SkillSource has the tools, training, and connections to help people of all ages get the skills and education they need for employment, whether that’s a first job or a change later on. When Malakai came to SkillSource in Moses Lake, he was looking for his first job. He has a willingness to get started, to show up, and to take his next best step.
One step leads to another. First, Malakai participated in a Youth Work Readiness Workshop where he worked closely with his career trainer and used AI tools to create a resume, explore career pathways, and build the foundational skills employers value.
SkillSource has strong relationships with businesses, which helps make employment connections for emerging talent like Malakai. Grocery Outlet in Moses Lake has looked to SkillSource in the past to help build and train their exceptional customer service team. With Malakai’s commitment to learn along with his new work-preparedness skills, SkillSource connected him to a paid work experience at Grocery Outlet.
Malakai learned job-specific skills in his work experience, including customer service, inventory management, merchandising, learning how to show up on time, to lean in to learning, and to contribute to a team. His hard work and effort led to a full-time cashier position and today, Malakai is a trusted member of the Grocery Outlet team.
One step led to another, and to another, that’s how steps work. Malakai, congratulations on all the steps you have taken to get you to where you are today. They have built you a strong foundation for whatever you decide to do in the future!
