UnitedHealth and Goodwill Launch $4.5M Workforce Development Partnership
2 September 2024
UnitedHealth Group and Goodwill Industries International have announced a strategic three-year, $4.5 million partnership to improve access to education, training, and workforce development across 25 states through 38 Goodwill® organizations.
This collaboration aims to help individuals overcome obstacles to securing long-term, well-paying jobs.
Research indicates that up to 80% of health outcomes are influenced by factors outside the clinical environment. Employment status plays a crucial role in health, impacting income, workplace conditions, and access to essential resources such as healthcare, housing, and food.
Those who are unemployed or in insecure, low-wage jobs often face poorer health and greater barriers to accessing necessary services.
The partnership will enhance the Goodwill Opportunity Accelerator®, a workforce development program that provides job seekers with resources for career advancement. This initiative will connect individuals with career pathways, job training, certifications, apprenticeships, and mentorship opportunities.
Collaborations with public and private sectors will focus on developing skilled talent for current local hiring needs. Specialized workforce training has been shown to boost educational attainment by 155% and industry-specific employment by 72%. The program will prioritize sectors like health care, technology, and clean technology to meet growing workforce demands.
Local Goodwill organizations will also offer support to help job seekers transition into meaningful careers. This includes financial literacy tools, life skills resources, and assistance with social determinants of health (SDOH), such as transportation and childcare, which are vital for successful employment.
The Goodwill Opportunity Accelerator® will be accessible to individuals residing in the service areas of the participating Goodwill organizations.
Source: unitedhealthgroup.com