Department of Labor Celebrates Graduates of Maine's First CVS Externship Program in Lewiston

October 10, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 6, 2023

Department of Labor Celebrates Graduates of Maine's First CVS Externship Program in Lewiston

LEWISTON - The Maine Department of Labor (MDOL), Goodwill Northern New England - https://goodwillnne.org/ , and CVS - https://www.cvs.com/ kicked off National Disability Employment Awareness Month today by celebrating the graduation of Maines first cohort to go through CVSs national externship program.

The three graduates, Joseph Tarbox, Anna Le, and Edward Alley, have been working with MDOLs Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and partner Goodwill Northern New England, and spent at least four weeks working at the Lewiston and Auburn CVS store locations.

"Congratulations to these individuals for their hard work these past weeks," said Labor Commissioner Laura Fortman. "The workforce should be reflective of our communities, and it is partnerships such as this one that helps us support all Mainers and their employment goals, as well as help connect employers with the talented workforce they need to thrive."

Through the paid retail store associate training program, the graduates learned transferrable skills such as customer service, reading pricing labels, stocking shelves, problem solving, and teamwork, which they will be able to use no matter where their career goals take them.

"It is always satisfying to partner with the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation to achieve the employment goals of anyone we serve. Its doubly satisfying to have developed a relationship with CVS to bring the possibility of employment to others across their network of stores. We look forward to a long, happy, and successful relationship with CVS," said Kathy Despres, Executive Director, Disability Services, Goodwill Northern New England.

During the celebration at the Lewiston CareerCenter, graduates received certificates and spoke about their experience.

View a picture of the Maine Department of Labor and CVS representatives with graduate Edward Alley