Akron businesses partner with Firestone CLC to help young job-seekers prep for workforce

Learning how to put on a tie isn't something a lot of kids have learned by the time they're ready for work, and knowing how to act at a job interview isn't always a class taught at school.

A group of local businesses found a way to help out some Firestone high School students on their way to getting their first jobs, or at least give them a step up when it comes time for them to start looking. About two dozen members of the school's basketball program turned out during winter break to get training on how to fill out job applications, write resumes and land their first job.

The Dec. 28 program also included real job interviews for those students old enough to go to work. The students not old enough got interview practice and feedback on their performance from real-world employers.

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'There's a lot of different things that they may not even know to do'

Antonio Goodwin, head JV basketball coach, said the two-hour program he put together with some friends and fellow business owners is something he would like to extend to other schools in the district.

Goodwin said he got the idea while thinking about his 16-year-old son.

"You know, I was going to have to teach him the things to do, but he's fortunate enough to have a dad to be able to teach him."

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Goodwin said it's not just about tying ties and filling out paperwork, it's also about how to conduct oneself.

"Like showing up on time for an interview, or even 15 minutes early, and not being on your phone while you're sitting in there waiting," he said. "It's like being focused, standing up and greeting someone. There's a lot of different things that they may not even know to do."

Donald Grayson Jr., general manager of the Wallhaven McDonald's on West Exchange Street, said a lot of his workers are kids at their first job. He was one of several business representatives conducting interviews, hoping to hire a few workers.

"The good ones normally tend to stick around," he said. "McDonald's is a good first job for the kids. When they first get there, they're all excited. Once they get the job, they're more relaxed ... but a lot of them don't have the work ethic, so when they get in I try to instill some work ethic in them.

"I tell them, 'You gotta get up, you gotta have a uniform, you gotta present yourself, you gotta be really nice to the customers ... I gotta take them and mold them," he said.

'What they don't know, we'll teach them'

Other jobs for young people could end up lasting a lifetime.

Jerry Harris, a park manager with Summit Metro Parks, said the park district hires close to 100 seasonal workers every summer, many of whom are in high school or just graduating.

"We're going to be doing a bunch of hiring in April and May, and I like to talk to these 18-year-olds that are graduating out of high school and give them the opportunity to come work and learn a craft and learn a career," he said.

Harris has been with the park district for more than 30 years. His display included photos of workers building trails, planting trees, building structures and completing other tasks.

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"As a seasonal worker, they'll come in and they'll learn a lot things, and what they don't know we'll teach them," he said. "They'll come in and they'll learn how to do a little carpentry, learn how to use a tape measure, and learn how to use the tools that come with it, like a hammer and nails."

He said those who plan to go to college after the summer can earn money, and those who don't plan to stay in school will also benefit.

"Those that aren't going to go to college come in and learn a skill, learn a career, a craft, and maybe possibly get a full-time job," he said.

'We just try to teach them'

Darius Evans, of Evans Lawn Services, said he’s planning to hire a few more crew members in the coming year. He said a lot of his workers are just starting out in the job market.

His outfit works year-round and is ready to grow.

“We do property clean up. We’re big on maintenance,” he said. “We also do landscaping, hardscapes, pavers, concrete … snow plowing, snow shoveling.”

A big part of his job is training new workers.

“We don't try to hound, we just try to teach them.”

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Firestone senior Chance Miller, struggling to complete a Windsor knot, said he is no stranger to formal wear.

"I can't tie this tie, but I can tie a bow tie," he said, grinning.

He plans to study fashion at Kent State University, and someday possibly create his own brand of clothing.

"Kent State has one of the best programs in the country, so I'd like to go there and our school is sponsored by them, so they usually come down and give us a talk and things like that."

Sponsors included A Better Cleaning Service-Akron, Speedy IRepair, Evans Lawn Services, Donald E. Grayson Jr. (McDonald’s Wallhaven), Nick Franchi (Upper Crust Akron), Amber Owens-Goodwin (Chuck E. Cheese Fairlawn), Ariana Sierra of Lock Hearts Home Solutions, Sheena Workman T.B.G Talent Acquisitions LLC, and Shape Me Brows.

More than a dozen other individuals and companies donated money and clothing to support the program.

Goodwin said he plans to organize other training sessions for students in the district. In the days following the first session, four other businesses who want to participate have contacted him.

"The goal is to have these, possibly once a month, even in the summer," he said.

Eric Marotta can be reached at emarotta@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter @MarottaEric.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Akron businesses, Firestone HS partner to train first-time job seekers