Columbus Works

Transform your future in just four days — for free!

Columbus Works, operated by Goodwill Columbus, is dedicated to ending poverty in Central Ohio.

Through the Columbus Works program, Goodwill offers free job training, personal career coaching, and long-term support to remove barriers to employment and self-sufficiency.

By connecting job seekers with our strong network of Employer Partners, we work together to break the cycle of generational poverty.

It’s all part of our commitment to create opportunity for all.

Solutions for employers. Success for job seekers.

We cultivate long-lasting relationships with key employers and motivated job seekers to create career pathways.

For Employers

Columbus Works is dedicated to partnering with employers that share our passion for eliminating poverty and creating opportunities. By hiring Columbus Works members, our partners gain access to a reliable, work-ready talent pool and experience improvements in their talent acquisition strategy.

Explore the benefits

For Job Seekers

Looking to change your life? Columbus Works is here to help you achieve success through employment. Columbus Works offers participants job readiness training, wraparound services, and a complete support system—all at no cost. Ready to get started? Enroll in our four-day Jump Start class.

Get started today!

Meet the Columbus Works team

You’ll be working with one of these friendly faces! Art, Jose, and Katrina are dedicated workforce development professionals committed to your success.

Katrina

Katrina is a Central Ohio native and an expert in talent acquisition and customer experience. She brings a valuable business perspective to Columbus Works, focusing on the entry-level and skilled trade industries to ensure every participant receives exceptional service. Katrina is actively engaged in her community through volunteer work for local nonprofits and enjoys staying active in sports like softball and volleyball.

Jose

Joseph Feliciano is a dedicated social worker with more than 20 years of experience in workforce development. Since moving to Columbus in 2004, he has passionately helped thousands of residents secure sustainable employment. Jose implemented specialized services for justice-impacted individuals during his decade at Ohio Means Jobs. A recipient of the Distinguished Hispanic Ohioan Award, Jose is focused on delivering life-changing solutions to the Columbus community he calls home.

Art

Art brings nearly 25 years of business and community service experience to the Columbus Works team. A graduate of the prestigious DeVos Urban Leadership Initiative, he is a proven leader with a deep passion for serving residents of underserved neighborhoods, particularly those experiencing trauma and poverty. For over two decades, Art has excelled in business leadership, consistently delivering innovative solutions that change lives and communities.

“Through the help of the coaches, I can see a way out of my current situation and into a job that will help me provide for my family.”
– Jay S.

“Without them, I couldn’t have done this by myself, but I knew I had to make a change. I’m looking forward to my future. Oh, and did I mention the program is FREE?”
– Taylor W.

“I participated in the JumpStart program and in just 4 days, my life has changed.”
– Desiree J.

Columbus Works featured on PBS!

Columbus Works was recently featured in Opportunity Knocks, a nationally celebrated series on PBS that has been recognized for the second season in a row with three major wins at the 2025 Telly Awards!

The show shines a light on stories like Wes and Maegan—and what’s possible when families get the support they deserve.

We’re proud to be part of this life-changing movement.