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 that people face to employment and self-sufficiency.

By connecting job seekers with our strong network of Employer Partners, we’re working 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 people to create clear career pathways.

For Employers

Columbus Works is dedicated to partnering with star employers who share our passion for eliminating poverty and are committed to creating opportunity. By hiring Columbus Works Members, our partners gain access to a reliable, work-ready talent pool and experience measurable 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

An expert in talent acquisition and customer experience, Katrina brings a valuable business perspective to Columbus Works. Her expertise in the entry level and skilled trade industries ensures we deliver valuable services and an excellent overall experience for each participant.

Katrina is a native of central Ohio and is engaged in her community in many ways, including volunteer work for local non-profit organizations. Katrina enjoys spending time with her husband and family, and is active in sports such as softball and volleyball.

Jose

Joseph Feliciano is a trained social worker in planning and management with over 20 years of experience in Workforce Development. Since moving to Columbus in 2004, he has dedicated his career to advocating for and helping thousands of residents secure sustainable employment.

For a decade at the Ohio Means Jobs center, Jose implemented and managed innovative programs, including specialized services for justice-impacted individuals. A recipient of the 2016 Distinguished Hispanic Ohioan Award, Jose focuses on delivering life-changing solutions to the Columbus community.

Art

Art, a graduate of the prestigious DeVos Urban Leadership Initiative, brings nearly 25 years of business and community service experience to the Columbus Works team. A proven and respected community leader, he is an expert in serving residents of underserved neighborhoods in Columbus, particularly those experiencing poverty, trauma, and substance abuse.

For more than 20 years, he has led business units, excelling in on-time production, budget management, quality assurance, and customer experience. Art has a proven track record of 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.