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Trainee Goodwill Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Retail Trainee DATE WRITTEN: 04/2025 DEPARTMENT: Donated Goods SUPERVISED BY: Store Manager. Asst. ... Supports the mission of Goodwill Gulf Coast by assisting across retail operations, contributing to ...

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Retail Trainee DATE WRITTEN: 04/2025 DEPARTMENT: Donated Goods SUPERVISED BY: Store Manager. Asst. ... Supports the mission of Goodwill Gulf Coast by assisting across retail operations, contributing to ...

New

Retail Trainee DATE WRITTEN: 04/2025 DEPARTMENT: Donated Goods SUPERVISED BY: Store Manager. Asst. ... Supports the mission of Goodwill Gulf Coast by assisting across retail operations, contributing to ...

New

Retail Trainee DATE WRITTEN: 04/2025 DEPARTMENT: Donated Goods SUPERVISED BY: Store Manager. Asst. ... Supports the mission of Goodwill Gulf Coast by assisting across retail operations, contributing to ...

New

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Trainee Goodwill information

See salary details

$25.5K

$43.5K

$63.5K

How much do trainee goodwill jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for trainee goodwill in the United States is $43,530.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33,000.00 and $51,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Trainee Goodwill vs Volunteer Coordinator?

AspectTrainee GoodwillVolunteer Coordinator
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingExperience in volunteer management; sometimes a degree in social work or related field
Work EnvironmentRetail stores, donation centers, training programsNonprofit organizations, community centers, charities
Employer & Industry UsageGoodwill Industries, retail and donation sectorsNonprofits, charities, community service organizations
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level roles at GoodwillManaging volunteers and programs in nonprofit settings

The main difference is that a Trainee Goodwill is an entry-level position focused on training and supporting retail or donation operations, while a Volunteer Coordinator manages volunteer programs and community engagement within nonprofit organizations. Both roles involve working in nonprofit or retail environments but differ in responsibilities and required experience.

What is the youngest age Goodwill hires?

Goodwill typically hires individuals who are at least 16 years old for trainee positions, though age requirements can vary by location and specific role. Some locations may hire at 14 or 15 for certain entry-level or volunteer roles, but paid positions generally require a minimum age of 16.

What to say to get hired at Goodwill?

To increase your chances of being hired as a Trainee at Goodwill, highlight your willingness to learn, strong work ethic, and customer service skills during the interview. Demonstrating reliability, a positive attitude, and familiarity with retail or donation environments can also be beneficial. Be prepared to discuss your availability and any relevant experience or certifications that relate to the position.

Does Goodwill pay for training?

Goodwill trainees typically do not receive payment for training periods, but once hired, employees are paid according to the company's wage policies. Training may include skill development and certifications relevant to the job, often conducted on-site or through partner programs.

What is the starting pay at Goodwill?

The starting pay for a Trainee at Goodwill typically aligns with minimum wage laws and can vary by location, but it generally begins around the federal or state minimum wage, which as of 2023 ranges from $7.25 to over $15 per hour. Trainees may also receive additional benefits such as flexible schedules and on-the-job training.
What cities are hiring for Trainee Goodwill jobs? Cities with the most Trainee Goodwill job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Goodwill jobs? The most popular types of Goodwill jobs are:
What states have the most Trainee Goodwill jobs? States with the most job openings for Trainee Goodwill jobs include:
Infographic showing various Trainee Goodwill job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, and 27% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,530 per year, or $20.9 per hour.

Human Services Trainee

GOODWILL OF WESTERN & NORTHERN CONNECTICUT

Hartford, CT โ€ข On-site

$16.94/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago


Job description

Are you passionate about helping people and seeking a great opportunity?

Goodwill of Western and Northern Connecticut is seeking determined individuals with a great passion for helping others. Both those with experience in Human Services and those seeking a career change are encouraged to apply!

As a Community Employment Services Trainee, you will be learning the ins and outs of all functions of the program, possibly in different regions throughout the state. Upon successful completion of all required training, a specific position and regional assignment will be offered!



Hourly Pay Rates:

Weekday Day Shifts (before 5pm) = $16.94 an Hour

Weekday Evening Shifts (after 5pm) = $17.25 an Hour

Any Weekend Shifts = $18.00 an Hour

Any Overnight Shifts = $18.75 an Hour



If you decide to stay with Goodwill, we can offer you:

  • Opportunities for career advancement
  • A benefits package that includes health, dental, and vision (employee paid), as well as ancillary benefits including long and short term disability, and life insurance (Goodwill paid)*
  • These benefits available 1st of the month, following 60 days of employment*
  • Two (2) weeks' vacation, four (4) personal days, and seven (7) days of sick time (For those working more than 20 hours a week)
  • Up to $3,000 in qualified Tuition Reimbursement*
  • Nine (9) Paid holidays (based on Standard Weekly Hours)
  • 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan
  • 50% Employee Discount
  • Anniversary Recognition Program - $50 Swag Store credit at 1 year and increasing financial awards every 5 years
  • $200 Referral Program (for every candidate hired that you refer to Goodwill)

*Only available for Full-Time Team Members

Potential Responsibilities:

  • Provide coaching, training, and support to participants to promote independence at their work sites.
  • Observe and report participantsโ€™ ability to engage in competitive employment and identify needs for accommodations.
  • Complete all required documentation within the case management database system.
  • Assist participants with job-seeking skills, interview techniques, and the development of competitive worker characteristics.
  • Welcome new individuals to the Community Employment Services Program and conduct new participant intakes to initiate program services.
  • Develop Individual Service Plans (ISPs) to establish employment goals and steps needed to achieve them.
  • Implement ISPs, monitor and document participant progress, and provide feedback to the team or funding sources.
  • Identify and develop job sites in the community based on the individual needs, abilities, and preferences of each participant.
  • Educate employers regarding the various services offered by the CES department.
  • Collaborate with department team member to produce a complete billing packet for submission at the end of each month.
  • Provide transportation for participants to and from work sites as needed.

Position Requirements:

  • Experience in the human services or related field strongly desired.
  • Satisfactory driving record, current driver's license, and daily access to a reliable, registered, and insured vehicle for frequent in-state driving.
  • First Aid and CPR are required (Goodwill can provide training after hire).
  • Must be able to lift 50 lbs and stand for long periods of time.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Word, Excel, and Outlook.

Start your journey with Goodwill today by applying at gwct.org/about/work-here

Is this position not right for you? We can help you find the right one at Goodwill or any other employer through our Career Centers! Receive free career assistance services from Goodwill (including Resume Builds/Revisions, Online Job Searching Coaching, Interview Skills, and more) at gwct.org/career-coaching