If you are looking for a place to start your first job or gain valuable work experience, Deseret Industries is a great option. Just ask Adrianne—a recent high school graduate who has been thriving in the DI job training program for the last five months. 

“This is my first job,” she says. “I have volunteered at places like the local homeless shelter, but I didn’t learn a whole lot when it comes to working an actual schedule.” 

Now, Adrianne is practicing dependability and other important workplace behaviors and skills that will prepare her for future job opportunities. 

“I have definitely improved a lot with getting my priorities straight,” Adrianne says. “I have also learned how to focus more easily. I have ADHD, so it’s really hard to focus sometimes. But now I’m able to work efficiently.” 

For some individuals, disabilities can be a barrier to employment. To combat this challenge, DI seeks to help associates build confidence in themselves and in their ability to contribute. Adrianne appreciates the safe working environment and recognizes that it is making a difference for her and other DI associates. 

“It’s nice to see DI staff doing their best to make us all feel comfortable,” she says. 

Adrianne also enjoys the chance to meet new people and establish workplace relationships. 

“I’d have to say that my coworkers are my favorite part of the job,” Adrianne says. “There are a lot of interesting people, and some are from diverse cultures. So, we actually teach each other a lot. We like to chat as we work, so it doesn't even feel like work—it feels like we’re just hanging out.” 

Adrianne loves being a team player and does her best to inspire her team. 

“I’ve noticed that our work methods tend to be contagious when we work in a small area together,” Adrianne says. “If one of us is moving quickly and working efficiently, then we all tend to speed up, and we get a lot more done.”

One of Adrianne’s future goals is to go to college, where she plans to major in chemical engineering and possibly minor in creative writing. To help her prepare, Adrianne utilizes Development Counseling Services—a resource available to all DI associates. Development counselors are credentialled professionals who assist associates with goals and career planning and also provide counseling and other support. 

“My development counselor has been really great,” Adrianne says. “I can go to her when I have questions about the resources that are available to me as a DI employee. And if I’m just having a really hard week, I can go into her office and just chat with her. She’s been really helpful—I really appreciate her.” 

Want to learn more about how Deseret Industries helps individuals create better lives for themselves? Visit our Work at Deseret Industries page to discover how the DI job training program could make a difference for you or someone you know.