BCNC and CPA Graduates Its First Retail Skills Training Class of the Year

BCNC and CPA Graduates Its First Retail Skills Training Class of the Year

BOSTON, MA – The Retail Skills Training graduated its first class of five students today.  The class was provided by the Boston Chinatown Neighborhood Center (BCNC) and the Chinese Progressive Association (CPA).  The program is supported by the Neighborhoods Jobs Trust of the City of Boston.

Students received training in customer service, English relevant to customer service industry and mainstream job search skills such as using computers, interview practice, and resume writing.  Students also received one-on-one job and career coaching as part of the class.  The training lasted 10 weeks and students met Monday through Friday for two and a half hours each day.  The class serves low-income immigrants living in Boston.  Wanna Li, graduate of the class, said “Before when I interviewed for a job at an American company, I did not understand all the questions and did not feel prepared.  Now the class has given me more confidence to speak English and to do interviews in the future.”

Whole Foods Market and Roche Bros. Supermarkets opened stores in or near Chinatown and South End this past year and partnered with the Collaborative to provide industry-relevant materials and input into the curriculum, and tours of their stores.  Graduates will receive interviews with the two companies.

The next cycle for the Retail Skills Training will run from July 5th to September 9th, Monday - Friday, 9:30 am - 12:00 PM.  The class is for Boston residents only and is free for participants.  Students can go to the Chinese Progressive Association at 28 Ash Street in Boston Chinatown to apply now.