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MSDE DORS and CVS Health to Honor First Graduates of Retail Training Program

BALTIMORE – MSDE’s Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) will celebrate the first graduates of an innovative job training program developed in collaboration with CVS Health.

CVS Health, the largest pharmacy innovation company in the United States, partnered with DORS’ Workforce & Technology Center (WTC) to prepare individuals with disabilities for employment in a retail environment. Program graduates develop skills and gain experience to qualify them for jobs at CVS Pharmacy stores and similar retail businesses.

CVS Health developed the curriculum and set up a mock store at WTC, who partnered with the Community College of Baltimore County to deliver the training. The program includes four weeks of classroom training, mock store instruction, and 6 weeks of in-store work experience at a Baltimore area CVS Pharmacy store.

The first students, who began training in January, will graduate on April 27th, and are currently in the process of applying for positions in their local CVS Pharmacy locations. The training program will be held a total of four times in 2018, providing opportunities for up to 24 individuals. Dr. Karen Salmon, MSDE State Superintendent of Schools said, “Providing students with the skills they need for a successful future is one of Maryland education’s overarching goals. This innovative partnership with CVS Health is a perfect example of how MSDE and the business community can work together to achieve that goal.”

“CVS Health is focused on breaking down employment barriers that individuals with disabilities face, through a proven combination of classroom instruction and on-the-job training,” said David Casey, Vice President, Workforce Strategies and Chief Diversity Officer, CVS Health. “We are proud to be working with Maryland DORS’ Workforce & Technology Center to help its citizens with disabilities access the security and prosperity that stable jobs can provide.”

MSDE senior staff and representatives from CVS Health will speak prior to a ribbon-cutting event to formally open the CVS Pharmacy mock store and classroom, which will be available for tours. The program’s first graduates will also be awarded certificates.

CVS Pharmacy, the retail division of CVS Health, is America’s leading retail pharmacy with more than 9,800 locations. Working with vocational rehabilitation programs nationwide, CVS Health has now invested in similar programs in eight state-operated training centers throughout the United States.

The MSDE Division of Rehabilitation Services offers programs and services that help people with disabilities go to work. For more information, visit dors.maryland.gov or follow DORS on Facebook at Maryland DORS.


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