‘Work-Based Learning Program’ launches Dougherty high school students into full-time jobs

ALBANY – Six current Dougherty County high school students will not have to worry about finding a job after graduation. The seniors at Dougherty, Monroe and Westover high schools signed agreements this week that will see them graduate on May 22 and take on full-time positions at the WebstaurantStore Distribution Center four days later.

The six students were part of the inaugural Work-Based Learning Program, a partnership between WebstaurantStore and the Dougherty County School System that began in January. They attended classes in the morning and worked afternoon shifts at the warehouse four days a week as paid interns, and on Tuesday they signed agreements during a ceremony at the Mitchell Avenue warehouse.

Starting full-time, they will have competitive salaries, benefits including medical, dental and vision insurance, four weeks of paid time off annually, eight emergency days, a 401(k) with a 50% company match and gym membership reimbursement, according to the company. They also will have career-advancement opportunities.

“This is our first year in partnership with Webstaurant, and it’s already showing results,” Schools Superintendent Ken Dyer told an Albany Herald reporter after the ceremony. “We’re excited for them. It’s a mutually beneficial partnership.

“Webstaurant has been excellent to work with. They came in, identified students and helped build skills. This is part of our effort to prepare our students with real skills for real life.”

The school system also works with colleges and universities so students can be prepared for the future, whether that involves furthering their education or getting good jobs straight out of high school, the superintendent said.

The students – Marquez Favors, Alashia Ford, Chermya Ford, Vinson Hill, Uriah Jackson and Sasha Mathis – were among the 25 applicants and 13 who were selected for the semester-long program.

“I love it,” Favors said during an interview following the ceremony. “I’m grateful for this opportunity, and I want to thank God for the opportunity because I prayed for everything bigger and better.”

The six who signed agreements on Wednesday had qualities that made them stand out, WebstaurantStores’ Outbound Assistant Manager Michelle Wilson said.

“These students demonstrated what we call being hungry, humble and smart,” she said. “They showed up ready to learn, ready to work and ready to contribute. I am incredibly proud of what they accomplished.”

The effort is a demonstration of the company’s commitment to investing in people, Tim Bailey, general manager of WebstaurantStore 872, said.

“At WebstaurantStore, we believe our greatest investment is in people,” he said. “Today is a celebration of six remarkable students who have proven they are ready to begin not just a job, but a career.”

Through their work ethic, reliability and positive attitudes, the first group hired through the Work-Based Learning Program distinguished themselves, said Jay Houston, recruitment and community relations manager for WebstaurantStore 872.

“Today is proof that talent exists right here in our community,” she said. “These students have shown that when young people are given an opportunity, clear expectations and a team that believes in them, they can accomplish extraordinary things.”

WebstaurantStore employs about 500 at its Albany facility.