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PWAT
Personal Work Adjustment Training

One of Goodwill’s employment services is Personal Work Adjustment Training (PWAT).  PWAT is generally a starting point for individuals with little or no experience in the employment field (or integrated settings).  Training is setup for twenty (20) days of employment in which participants try a variety of job duties throughout our Retail Processing Center. 

A Program Specialist divides the 20 day program into three sections: a five-day evaluation period; a second five-day period for job shadowing; and finally a ten-day stretch of actual work experience.

The first five-day period of PWAT is used to evaluate the participant’s skills and abilities.  Evaluations are done in areas of reading, math and writing skills.  This time period allows the Program Specialist to learn their likes and dislikes of the person.  Once skill levels are established, the Program Specialist works with the participant on skills such as interviewing, resume preparation and job search skills.

The next five days are used exclusively for job shadowing in several areas of our Retail Processing Center.  Several of our retail stores have processing centers which allow for training as well as our main processing center located at Goodwill’s corporate office in Falls Creek, PA.  Participants job shadow workers in the areas of hanging, sorting, ticketing, pricing, cash register skills, truck loading/unloading, etc.  No work is expected of participants during this phase; they are learning what is expected of each employee.

Actual work experience takes place over the last ten days of the training.  Participants are allowed to work hands on in the areas of the Retail Processing Center they feel comfortable and interested in.  Progress and performance are monitored by the Program Specialist during this time.   

Upon completion of Personal Work Adjustment Training and evaluation, the participant will be considered for Supported Employment Services, Sheltered Workshop Employment or other programs necessary for further evaluation and/or education.