CVS Health and Job Corps Enhancing Workforce Development Opportunities for Aspiring Pharmacy Technicians

WOONSOCKET, R.I.—CVS Health is collaborating with Job Corps, the largest free residential education and job training program for young adults, to expand work-based learning, and externship opportunities for students studying to become pharmacy technicians. The participating Job Corps campuses, which are operated by Odle Management Group, include those in Long Beach, CA; Monroe, VA; St. Petersburg, FL; and Tulsa, OK, as well as a pilot program launching this summer in Pittsburgh, PA.

"As the skills gap in the United States widens, CVS Health recognizes the important role externships, which offer on-the-job training with classroom instruction, play in building a pipeline of future skilled talent," said David Casey, Vice President, Workforce Strategies, and Chief Diversity Officer. "By working with Job Corps, we are able to provide traditionally underserved groups with opportunities for employment at CVS Pharmacy, as well as help build a talented, and diverse workforce for our company."

Through the new partnership, Job Corps will place students at local CVS Pharmacy stores to learn directly from CVS pharmacists, and operations leaders. Students who successfully complete the training will be eligible to apply for a job at CVS Pharmacy.

"CVS Health, and Odle have created an outstanding program for young people determined to prove themselves in the workforce. while developing important career skills," said Earl Pomeroy, a former Congressman from North Dakota, and National Job Corps Association Board Member. "Together, the two organizations are developing job training classes, and on-the-job intern experiences specifically designed to provide life-changing career skills and opportunities to young people from communities with high unemployment and limited opportunities.

"By working with Job Corps to provide students with opportunities ranging from pharmaceutical retail to pharmacy technicians, underserved youth have a fighting chance to end intergenerational poverty, and have careers with meaningful opportunities for advancement. This exciting undertaking represents Job Corps at its best," added Pomeroy.

Job Corps students that are approximately 75% through their career training are required to complete work-based learning or an externship with a local employer to gain work experience. "The partnership with CVS Health is a natural fit for Odle, and our participating Job Corps campuses," said Lisa Odle, President and CEO of Odle Management Group, LLC. "Both CVS, and Odle have a shared and like-minded passion to educate young people, and put them on a path to a successful career."

Over the past two decades, CVS Health and Job Corps have partnered on several workforce initiatives that have helped fill entry level roles with many individuals advancing to pharmacist, and management positions within the company. The expanded relationship with Job Corps is part of the myCVS Journey Pathways to Health Care Careers that introduces students of all ages to career opportunities in health care. The STEM-enriched program is designed to engage young people (aged 5-24) in age-appropriate awareness, exploration, and preparation for careers at CVS Health in pharmacy, professional management, nursing and information technology.