Groundwork
Groundwork, ASD’s innovative workforce development program delivers paid, on-the-job training to people with barriers to employment.
If you’re experiencing employment barriers that keep you from making career progress, we’re here to help. Our goal is to deliver transferable skills supported by industry certification so that you will have broad options for growing a strong career. Earn money while you build valuable skills that will help set you on a path to a solid career and apply today!
Need skills? Apply to Groundwork!
Barriers to Employment
A barrier to employment is a challenge that prevents you from getting or keeping a job, or advancing your career. These challenges include, but aren’t limited to:
- Former incarceration
- Disability
- Low income
- Limited education (for example, no high school diploma or GED)
- Independent Living former foster care
- Post-military
- Substance use disorder
PATHWAYS
Garden and Greenhouse Training Associates
Have you always wanted to learn to grow crops for yourself or for profit? If so, consider this entry-level producer and/or entrepreneurship option. As a Garden and Greenhouse Associate, you will:
- Work in our community garden and/or greenhouse
- Immerse yourself in the world of growing, fine-tuning the basics of tending to herbs, vegetables, and flowers
- Work in the Late Bloomers cut flower social enterprise
- Learn how to develop your own agriculture-related business, including the creation of a unique brand, marketing, customer acquisition, and funding resources (optional)
Food Service / Food Trailer Training Associate
Are you passionate about providing healthy, locally-sourced food to people in the community? Do you enjoy food preparation, and want to learn more about food safety and kitchen management? In this program, you’ll learn:
- Food safety procedures to earn your ServSafe certification
- How to wash, store, prepare, and serve food, safely
- Research and develop new recipes and menus
- Business essentials for running a food trailer or food business
Warehouse Associate
Are you interested in being a part of the behind-the-scenes action of produce distribution? As a Warehouse Associate, you will work in our Appalachian Harvest Food Hub and:
- Learn how to safely handle fresh produce from our network of regional farmers
- Learn the ins and outs of industry best practices for receiving and distribution
- Manage and track the logistics of product inventory
- Earn certificates in OSHA 10-Hour Safety and Forklift Safety
- Potentially pursue a CDL certification
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Meet the Groundwork Team
Hannah Gibbs
Workforce Development Program Director
David
Tazewell Garden Manager
Lisa Worley
Abingdon Garden & Greenhouse Manager
Josh Thompson
Manager of Social Enterprise
Perry Thompson
Groundwork Commercial Kitchen Manager & Cohort Supervisor
Tori Jessee
Get Involved
We are always looking for business partners who can provide job shadowing, mentoring, and educational opportunities. If you’re interested in helping build our economy by building a more skilled workforce, contact Hannah Gibbs, Workforce Development Program Director.
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