ReSET Technology
provides skills in information technology (starting in late August/September 2024)!
ReSET Retail and Customer Service
trains in skills related to retail, materials management, and customer care (service)
What Do Participants Learn and When is ReSET Offered?
ReSET Retail and Customer Service
We accept applicants to this paid entry-level retail training on a rolling basis. Accepted applicants may enter the program at any time as funding and space allows. Schedule and number of hours per week are set according to the trainee’s and ReUse Center’s schedule and needs, with a minimum of 15 hours per week. This paid training experience is typically offered for a maximum of 525 hours and up to 6 months for those with previous experience in the justice system.
In ReSET Retail participants will:
Gain useful and meaningful skills transferable to many career paths in retail, materials management, clean energy, and beyond.
Basic job skills: keeping to a schedule, showing up ready to work, mentally and physically, with appropriate clothing and hygiene, taking and implementing feedback on work performance.
Job search skills: making a resume, writing a cover letter, setting appointments and interviews, researching job postings, interview skills, personal storytelling.
Develop skills with and knowledge of ReUse Center merchandise such as household and raw materials processing, testing electronics, pricing items, building materials, computers and peripherals.
Find your passion and become a part of the Finger Lakes ReUse mission.
Have flexibility to work at either our our ReUse Centers, both located on TCAT bus routes.
Become a part of the ReUSE team.
ReSET Technology (coming IN LATE AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2024)!
ReSET Technology is designed to jumpstart you on your career path into the growing and lucrative IT field. The program consists of an unpaid 10-week entry level program, 16 hours per week, with scholarships available based on financial need. Those who successfully complete the 10 week training are invited to apply for a competitive 15-week full time paid apprenticeship. Training is offered repeatedly throughout the year. ReSET collaborates with Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Energy Warriors & Roots of Success program to connect interested participants to green career paths.
In ReSET Tech, the technology track, participants will learn:
Various components inside a computer, their purposes and how they function.
Testing, refurbishing, and troubleshooting computers and their components.
Software and operating system installation
Introduction to topics presented by community professionals such as Computer Networking and Security
Finger Lakes ReUse is a Comp TIA Authorized Academy Program partner. The ReSET Tech curriculum follows the objectives of the Comp TIA IT Fundamentals certification exam. Participants who complete the ReSET Tech program may be eligible for a discounted rate for Comp TIA Exams.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. Is the apprenticeship a job?
The apprenticeship is a paid training program that will come to an end after a specified number of hours. This is not an offer of permanent employment.
2. What kind of job can I get after I participate in the ReSET retail job training program?
If you have been trained in customer service and register sales/service, you will be ready for an entry level job almost anywhere where there is a need for cash register customer service and sales. If you have extended experience training in the Front of and/or Back of house processing, you may be ready for a job processing in a warehouse. Customer service soft skills are extremely important to employers, and you may find yourself in a customer service role that you never even dreamed of!
3. I would need a lot of support because I know very little about retail and/or I have a learning disability, would this program be right for me?
The ReSET retail program requires that trainees have a basic comfort level with customer service, such as speaking with team members and customers in a pleasant way, and offering to be helpful. Unfortunately we do not have the capacity to provide constant one-on-one support. Any individual that would require that level of support, would need to bring a training coach with them to help them during their learning process.
4. Certain restrictions in my life (such as bus schedule, job, childcare etc.) make it hard for me to be there exactly as my schedule would dictate. Do I have to be able to attend during that time?
Generally yes. All apprentices are expected to follow their schedule, but exceptions can be made on a case-by-case basis.
5. I am not able to sit and/or stand for long periods, what are the physical requirements of the training sessions?
The vast majority of the time is spent standing and moving, however reasonable accomodations can be made for individuals with need – reach out to us at reset@fingerlakesreuse.org so we can find a way to work with you.
6. What kind of job can I get after I participate in the ReSET tech job training program?
This depends on the kind of experience or schooling a participant has already had coming into the program. Trainees with experience, certifications and/or degrees in the computer sciences use the ReSET tech program as a stepping stone towards getting an entry level IT position. Trainees who have had very little experience or training, will not likely be able to immediately get a position in the technology field. These trainees find that the ReSET tech program is a great foundation and start for them to go on and obtain certifications and/or higher education in the computer sciences. We recommend trainees pursue the Comp TIA IT Fundamentals certification as a starting place to build their skill portfolio.
7. Is the ReSET Tech program like a class or an internship?
It’s a little bit of both, but the emphasis is on Job Training. The ReSET program seeks to give trainees an on-the-job-like experience and prepare them for aspects of the workplace. We are also able to offer this program for free because we need your help processing donated materials. About 30% of the program time contains classroom style instruction, but the remainder of the time is work ranging from complex tasks like refurbishing a server to simple tasks like testing that a keyboard is fully functioning. Along the way participants are learning skills, demonstrating their work preparedness and helping serve their community by keeping electronics out of the landfill. Participants are expected to behave and commit to their responsibilities as if they were in a workplace. In return we will gladly act as a reference or write letters of recommendations for any participant who completed in good standing.
8. Will I learn skills like website building or graphic design or software programming?
Generally no, the majority of the ReSET tech program is focused on hardware refurbishing and repair, operating system installation and configuration, and basic troubleshooting. Trainees will be given very basic introductions to different topics outside of this such as HTML and software programming.
9. I am not able to sit and/or stand for long periods, what are the physical requirements of the training sessions?
The vast majority of the time is spent sitting however adaptations can be made for trainees who need a standing workstation. Some standing may be required but adaptations can be made for trainees who require sitting.
Application
Interested applicants (or those who wish to be added to our waiting list) must fill out our online application form through our website or may make an appointment with Suzanne Burnham, Workforce Coordinator at (607) 257-9699 ext. 9930. To fill out an application, you can do so online at https://ithacareuse.org/resetapp
Opportunities for Employers
Collaboration with local customer service, technology, and construction related businesses will do a great deal to ensure the success of the ReSET program. Businesses and agencies interested in getting involved with the ReSET programs may contact us at reset@fingerlakesreuse.org.
Partners and Supporters
ReSET would not be possible without the support of the community. Many thanks to the following employers, human service organizations, government agencies, and foundations for their support:
A4TD
Brightworks Computer Consulting
City Federation of Women’s Organizations
The Collective Impact Fund of the Community Foundation
Community Foundation of Tompkins County
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County
Cornell University IT Services
The Erin Aljoe Schlather Dedicated Memorial Fund of the Community Foundation
Helen Thomas Howland Foundation, as administered by the Community Foundation
The Kathy Yoselson Fierce Determination Fund of the Community Foundation
The Lane Family Fund of the Community Foundation
Tompkins County Dept of Social Services
Triad Foundation