Computerized Employment Training Is "Tip Top"

One of the most stressful parts of coming to America for refugees is finding work.  IRC Atlanta has a dedicated staff of Job Developers to help with this transition, and for years have been able to settle many clients in the metro Atlanta poultry industry, particularly with Tip Top Poultry Inc in Marietta.  This has been one of the more successful employment programs for the Atlanta office, and, thanks to a new computerized training program, it is now even better.

IRC clients show off the fruits of their labor                                                                Photo: David Oliver

Before going to their interviews, prospective employees undergo a thorough orientation to poultry processing at the IRC Atlanta office.  The training covers the standards Tip Top expects of employees, workplace safety practices, and public health concerns relating to the poultry industry.  It includes video presentations and computerized assessments, and – most importantly – is assisted by translators.

Says Senior Employment Specialist Rachel Gast, “The benefits [of the program] are obvious.  Before implementing the training, clients had a steep learning curve to face while still being new to the country and the language.  Now we see that job retention with our refugees is much higher.”  Ms. Gast also highlighted the fact that the very existence of this program is a testament to the strong relationship between Tip Top and IRC Atlanta.  “It shows the great deal of trust they place in us, and the value they place on hiring refugees.”