Job Readiness Students Get Ground-Floor View of Cleaning Industry

(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)“Do the best I could – be the best I could be.”  That’s Arnold Hamilton’s approach to every job, and Hamilton recently challenged students in a job readiness program at Covenant House to do the same. As a District 82 Delegate with SEIU Local 32BJ, Hamilton (at left in photo meeting a student and below speaking to the class) works closely with workers across the DC area in the service sectors. He took time out of a hectic schedule to meet with young people and provide them an overview of career opportunities in the cleaning sector. Highlighting the opportunities to start in entry-level positions and gain the skills and experience to move up, Hamilton provided first-hand accounts of union members who started as a cleaner and pushed themselves to be more, moving up to skilled trade positions, management positions, and into union leadership roles representing thousands of members. “They got their feet in the door and took advantage of the opportunities,” Hamilton told the students. “There are opportunities out there for those who want to advance themselves,” Hamilton added, noting that “the service industry is here to stay.” In challenging the students to be active in their job search and take advantage of opportunities to build a career, Hamilton also stressed key attitudes necessary to be successful in any job. “Be reliable, show up and be willing to learn,” he said. “Take pride in what you do.” The benefits of being a union member are “not only about better wages and working conditions,” said Hamilton, “it’s about dignity and respect for the workers.” Arnold’s presentation was in support of the work of the Community Services Agency, which partners with Covenant House of Washington to introduce students in the program to career opportunities. - report/photo by Yvette De La Cruz