Pub. 8 2018-2019 Issue 4

O V E R A C E N T U R Y : B U I L D I N G B E T T E R B A N K S - H E L P I N G C O L O R A D A N S R E A L I Z E D R E A M S January • February 2019 11 the banking industry,” said Candice Sporhase-White, BankWork$ Program Man- ager for Goodwill Industries of Denver. “Their dedication to the eight-week intensive training program prepares them to hit the ground run- ning and make an immediate impact in their newpositions.” On November 1, 2018—a year after completing the program—Azza found herself back at a BankWork$ grad- uation ceremony. This time she was there to represent the Bank of the West man- agement team and interview the new graduates for open positions at her branch. “I have many feelings. Proud of where I am right now—holding a position that allowsme tohire newemploy- ees for Bank of theWest—and excitement for the new class of BankWork$ graduates,” said Azza as she reflected on the most recent graduation ceremony. “Whether I’m at - tending a graduation cere- mony, hiring for my bank, or meeting program graduates at my bank or at other banks, I will always remain a part of the BankWork$ family.” Wit h an average job placement rate of 90% af- ter graduation and a six month retention rate of 84%, BankWork$ provides a pipe- line of qualified candidates and matches talented indi- viduals tomeaningful careers in the industry. “We are proud to sup- port Goodwill Industries of Denver and the BankWork$ program in the Denver met- ropolitan area,” said Shawn Cole, head of Retail Banking for the Rocky Mountain Di- vision at Bank of the West. “By investing in education and technical skills, we are helping people into careers they can feel passionate about and fostering the economic well-being of individuals and their families.” Goodwill Industries of Denver would not be able to facilitate the program without the commitment and financial support of its growing list of partner banks: Academy Bank, Bank of America, Bank of Denver, Bank of theWest, Can- vas Credit Union, Citywide, GreatWestern Bank, KeyBank, U.S. Bank, Vectra Bank, Wells Fargo, and Young Americans Bank. BankWork$ is the only financial training program in Colorado endorsed by the Col- orado Bankers Association. n