July 23, 2024 | Written by Dani Young

Staff, families and friends recently gathered to celebrate the first Pharmacy Technician graduates through Youth Opportunities Unlimited and CVS Health. Y.O.U.’s Pathways to Career program offers credential training for young adults ages 18-24 in high-demand industries. Recently, six students graduated from the Construction Program. In collaboration with CVS Health, the first class of the Pharmacy Technician Program had ten graduates.

Artemis Carter, Program Manager for Young Adult Programming, said the group exceeded expectations and “blew it out of the water.” Participants spent three weeks on job readiness training and received certifications with the National Retail Federation, National Career Readiness Certificate — with all ten participants passing on the first try and receiving either a gold, silver and bronze — and the HIPAA Compliance Certificate for Healthcare Providers.

After completing the first half of the program, they spent four weeks with CVS Health. Two weeks were spent learning at the CVS Health Workforce Innovation and Talent Center in Cleveland. The center includes a classroom and a mock store to practice skills such as prescriptions, doctor’s calls and learning shorthand.

“I’m so proud, you all worked together so well,” said Laura Weikart, Manager of the Workforce Innovation and Talent Center.

The final two weeks were spent working in local CVS Health stores, with many receiving the opportunity to continue employment after the program concludes.

“We’ve been super grateful to have you in our stores,” said CVS District Leader John Conley. He applauded the group’s enthusiasm and optimism for taking care of people and advised remembering the core purpose amongst all the details. “This is purposeful work — we are taking care of people’s lives.”

Y.O.U. Recruitment and Resource Specialist Tiah Boyd worked closely with the cohort and was extremely proud of their accomplishments. She and the team gave the Continuous Improvement Award to Devonte and the Star Student Award to Aussiana and Tajai.

“This program has really helped me a lot because we have such caring people,” said Aussiana, citing this as a great introduction to a career in the medical field. “This is just the start.”

Each participant received their certificate for their credentials training and spoke to the crowd on their next steps and what the program meant to them.

“This program has helped me move forward and advance my career,” said Devonte.

The graduates discussed how they learned about customer service and job readiness skills, plus never being afraid to do try new things.

Participant Naviya said the program helped her become a better person, allowing her to open up and be unafraid to just be herself. “I like to help people and that’s just what CVS is all about,” Naviya said. “I feel like I’m ready for it.”