The people you work with can make all the difference in your employment experience and job satisfaction. Just ask Michael, a Deseret Industries associate who loves his job because he works with people who care about and support him.   

“My coworkers are good people,” Michael says. “They are disciplined, and they work hard. We all come from very different backgrounds, and we learn to connect and work together.”  

For Michael and thousands of other DI associates, Deseret Industries is more than a thrift store—it is a training facility. Through the DI job training program, associates gain valuable work experience and learn important job skills, which prepares them for better employment opportunities.  

“People here are interested in doing well,” Michael says. “We watch out for each other.”  

One way that DI facilitates growth in its associates is by providing each associate not just with an operational supervisor, but a job coach. They collaborate with associates to identify their strengths and areas for improvement. They then seek out work experiences that bolster and build those talents. 

“My job coach is a good man,” Michael says. “He is hands-on and has taught me what I should do. He is open to teaching me new things and helping me to do the roles I want.”

In the months since joining Deseret Industries, Michael has noticed significant improvements in his skills, making him a more effective employee. He also recognizes how the positive work environment has helped him to grow. 

“I have been able to improve my work performance, and I want to keep it that way,” Michael says.  

Michael finds his improvement highly motivational. With encouragement from his team and supervisor, he now pushes himself to continually improve and master new skills and behaviors. Associates in the DI job training program learn important workplace behaviors such as dependability, productivity, and teamwork. 

“I feel like I am more disciplined and focused,” Michael says.  

Michael’s growth extends beyond his job—he has also felt the impact of working at DI in other areas of his life because he has a higher sense of confidence.   

“I go home after working here, and I feel good because I have done something good for the community,” Michael says. “Working here has helped me build a happier life because I have a good job that I get to come to.” 

Looking for a way to make a difference in your own community? Donate at your local Deseret Industries today to help associates like Michael make a better life for themselves.