How Deseret Industries Helps Leaders Care for Those in Need
The purpose of Deseret Industries
Deseret Industries was established in 1938 to help members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and others in the community. In alignment with the mission of DI, this effort includes:
-
Providing on-the-job training for individuals, including those with barriers to employment.
-
Offering quality, low-cost goods to members of the community.
-
Supporting humanitarian aid efforts and addressing local needs through bishops’ orders and community grants.
-
Reducing waste by keeping possessions in use longer and recycling what is unusable.
Deseret Industries is a great option for individuals who are struggling with barriers to employment or are seeking job experience that will prepare them for better opportunities.
Whenever you donate or shop at Deseret Industries, you are supporting our job training program, which gives individuals access to resources that will help them succeed in future jobs.
Who might be a good fit for the program?
As a Church leader, you may have those in your care who face employment challenges. Through its job training program, Deseret Industries helps those who:
-
Exhibit poor work behaviors, have struggled in previous jobs, or lack self-confidence.
-
Need additional work skills, education, vocational training, or English-learning.
-
Are seeking work experience or are returning to the workforce.
-
Are preparing to leave for a mission or have recently returned.
-
Have difficulty determining a career direction or are seeking a career transition.
How do I refer someone for the DI job training program?
If you are a bishop of the Church, you can submit an online referral through the Welfare Resources system. Any ward leader can refer individuals by contacting the store directly via email, by phone, or in person. A bishop’s referral is required for all individuals employed at Deseret Industries.
What resources exist to help DI associates?
The DI job training program offers many resources designed to help individuals improve their lives through work, training, and education.
Operational supervisors
An operational supervisor functions as a job coach and helps associates develop important workplace skills and habits. The role of an operational supervisor includes:
-
Assessing, teaching, modeling, and tracking work behaviors.
-
Supervising day-to-day work assignments.
-
Identifying additional opportunities for associates to develop, such as leading a team or taking on other assignments.
-
Mentoring associates as they prepare for future employment opportunities.
Operational supervisors support associates in their professional development.
DI associates can consult with a development counselor on employment-related matters.
Development counselors
A development counselor is a credentialled professional who assists associates with goals and career planning. The role of a development counselor includes:
-
Assessing an associate’s overall well-being and needs.
-
Providing vocational counseling.
-
Offering vocational assessment and education support.
Development counseling is available to anyone referred by a Church leader, provided there is a development counselor in their area.
Ready for Work
The Ready for Work program provides a well-researched framework for job training. Through the program, associates learn important workplace behaviors, focused on:
-
Dependability
-
Productivity
-
Professionalism
-
Teachability
-
Teamwork
Mastering DI's Ready for Work behaviors prepares associates to succeed in any future workplace.
Associates like Magdalena have the opportunity to complete valuable certifications, such as cashiering.
Additional training
Depending on availability and needs, associates can obtain additional training, including internships and certifications. Within the DI job training program, this might include:
-
Onsite certifications, such as cashiering, forklift, and supervision.
-
Offsite certifications, such as CDL truck driving, HVAC repair, pharmacy tech, and computer programming.
-
Temporary on-the-job work experiences through business partnerships.
Job search assistance
Operational supervisors and development counselors often provide job search coaching for associates who are looking for new work or who are near the end of their time at DI. Job search assistance includes connecting associates with Employment Services—a job search resource provided by the Church that helps individuals achieve their employment goals. Employment Services is available to anyone and offers support with finding job leads, networking, preparing for interviews, and more through:
-
In-person and remote coaching with employment advisors.
-
Workshops on job search skills.
-
Active job search groups.
Operational supervisors, development counselors, and employment advisors offer job search coaching and support to help associates as they create better lives for themselves.
What other employment-related resources are available through DI?
Deseret Industries has two other job training facilities in the Salt Lake area, namely Deseret Manufacturing and the Latter-day Saint Humanitarian Center. Both facilities provide additional employment opportunities and utilize the Ready for Work program.
Deseret Manufacturing
Deseret Manufacturing is a production facility where DI’s new furniture and sleep products are made. It provides training in product assembly, manufacturing, and distribution, making it a great option for those interested in developing these skills.
Humanitarian Center
The Latter-day Saint Humanitarian Center is a facility where associates sort excess clothing from Deseret Industries stores for humanitarian aid and recycling. It offers an English program and wellness group, making it a great option for immigrants and those displaced from their home countries.
Other resources
Deseret Industries is one of many Church programs that provide support and training. To make the most of opportunities available, DI might collaborate with other Church programs, such as PathwayConnect.
As a leader, how can I support associates and the DI program?
Church leaders have a special role in fostering awareness about Deseret Industries. They can support the DI program by:
-
Referring members who would be a good fit for the DI job training program.
-
Offering support and guidance to DI associates living in their ward boundaries.
-
Leveraging the ward’s network to help DI associates find job opportunities.
-
Encouraging DI associates to participate in the Church’s self-reliance courses, which cover topics like personal finances, education, and finding a better job.
-
Helping members become familiar with the work and mission of Deseret Industries.
-
Making members aware of opportunities to volunteer at DI.
The DI job training program helps associates learn important workplace skills and behaviors.
DI promise
DI seeks to help people achieve their career goals. Throughout their experience at DI, associates will have the opportunity to:
-
Improve workplace behaviors in a safe environment.
-
Develop and practice employable skills.
-
Build confidence.
-
Receive support and encouragement from staff.
-
Connect one-on-one with a coach and a counselor.
-
Learn job search skills.
-
Pursue certifications and other training.
Many of our associates have leveraged the important skills and workplace behaviors learned at DI to get jobs in retail, medical, dental, trucking, office administration, computer programming, and other fields.
If you know someone in your care who could benefit from the job training program, recommend they look into work opportunities at Deseret Industries, Deseret Manufacturing, or the Humanitarian Center.
