Real Work, Real Skills, Real Confidence: An Inside Look at MRC’s Job Training Associate Program

Not everyone knows about the Job Training Associate position at MRC, but for participants like Lisa, it can be a powerful bridge to confidence, new skills, and future employment. She completed our program in May with a standout résumé, several job applications in the community, and an interview already scheduled.

Job Training Associates do real, paid work supporting their community while learning hard and soft skills, practicing mock interviews, and mastering the strategies to land their next role. Participants learn by doing hands-on work at the front desk, in the Food Share Market, and by assisting with community outreach and events.

When Lisa joined the program, she was looking for a chance to strengthen her technology skills and become a stronger candidate for future employers. “I learned Salesforce—I’d never heard of it before I started the job training program—and I learned a little bit more with Outlook. I knew how to use the emails but not the calendar.”  The program also introduced her to PowerPoint, Teams, and Canva, and strengthened her skills in Word and Excel.

“I also learned a little bit of what the pantry does with the food rescue and how important it is to have people to go do that. And I learned how critical it is to the agency to have so many volunteers and that they play a really big role here. It’s neat to come and see behind the scenes and see how it works.”

Like many people stepping into something new, Lisa says she felt both nervous and excited on her first day. Over time, that uncertainty gave way to confidence. She describes feeling supported throughout staff transitions and encouraged by the people around her, especially as she learned to handle new responsibilities and step more fully into her role.

Customer service skills are also an important part of the program—particularly the kind of calm, thoughtful communication that can turn a frustrating situation into a positive one. Lisa particularly remembered one recent interaction when a client came in needing to see our case manager. He was upset when Lisa said that he would need an appointment. With the increase in gas prices, driving to MRC a second time can be a difficult expense.

“He seemed like he was about to storm off. And I just offered again to make an appointment, apologized, and he ended up giving me candy. I kind of won him over and smoothed things over with him and did get him in for an appointment. So that felt like a good experience.” Thanks to Lisa’s de-escalation skills, the man was connected to the support he needed.

That real-world experience is paired with intentional career preparation. Through job search coaching, résumé building, interview preparation, mock interviews, and support from staff and volunteers, she says she feels much more prepared for the job search than she did when she started. She now has a strong résumé, more confidence in how to answer interview questions, and a clearer sense of how to handle follow-up communication.

For Lisa, the Job Training Associate program has been more than a stepping stone, it has been a win-win. She has grown her own skills while also helping people who come through MRC’s doors in search of support. Her advice to anyone considering the opportunity is simple: go for it. We’re proud to offer a program that helps people build confidence, gain practical experience, and prepare for what’s next, all while making a real difference right here at MRC.

We are looking for our next Job Training Associate. If you or someone you know is entering or re-entering the workforce, visit www.mrcco.org/workforce-and-job-training to learn more.