Mt. Washington Bank Hires Graduates of New Community Jobs Program

Contact: Lauren Mann
Mt. Washington Bank
857-524-1155
lmann@MtWashingtonBank.com

South Boston, MA - - -Seven graduates of a new job training initiative at Mt. Washington Bank celebrated their completion of the three-week program on June 8 with members of the bank and its area partners. Also in attendance were guests of the participants, members of the banks management team, employee mentors, as well as City Council President Maureen Feeney.

The program is a first-of-its-kind for Mt. Washington Bank, a leader in community banking. Similar to an unpaid internship, the teller-training program offers participants a chance to learn about a new career and develop key employment skills. The program is open to those with a high school diploma or GED equivalency and prior experience is not necessary.

To reach out to applicants, Mt. Washington Bank worked with close to 20 social services agencies that provide employment counseling and job training. Their partners included the Asian American Civic Association, Operation A.B.L.E. of Greater Boston, The Workplace, JobNet, the International Institute of Boston, Morgan Memorial Goodwill Industries, the Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts, and the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission.

“We created this program because we wanted to offer an opportunity for people to re-enter the workforce or improve their employment situation for the betterment of themselves and their families,” says Michelle Dore, Assistant Vice-President, Director of Training.

Partner agencies conducted the initial screenings and recommended candidates for Mt. Washington Bank’s consideration. Seven candidates were then invited to participate in the three-week program, during which they divided their time between classroom instruction and on-the-job training as bank tellers. To successfully complete the program, the participant must have received positive evaluations by one bank mentors and the trainer.

The program was described as a win-win by all involved. Branch managers were impressed by the motivation and hard work of the community job participants. For the candidates themselves, it was an opportunity to find meaningful work.

Founded in 1893, Mt. Washington Bank has stayed committed to the promise outlined in its mission statement by being "full-service independent bank, offering financial services to meet the needs of its retail and small business community. Mt. Washington recently announced the opening of its new Gallivan Boulevard branch in Dorchester, representing the Bank's fourth branch location in addition to a stand alone loan center.

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