• Industrial Placements

  • Hospitality Placements

From Vocational Trainee To Full-Time Employee

FIRST at Blue Ridge champions lifelong recovery for socioeconomically disadvantaged populations by providing fundamental resources before and after program completion.

Overcoming substance use disorder and prioritizing wellness is the prime objective, but the importance of career development as part of the process cannot be overstated. Teamwork, growth opportunities and financial security are crucial to relapse prevention.

For this reason, clinical sessions and group meetings remain available to FIRST at Blue Ridge graduates at no charge.

Examples: Cognitive Behavior Intervention | Motivational Interviewing | Spiritual Counseling | SMART Recovery

In addition, FIRST at Blue Ridge graduates have access to low-cost transitional housing and transportation. Which gives employment partners peace of mind — knowing that the support system that empowered their vocational trainees to perform at the highest level will continue to serve them once they have reached full-time status.

Josh Webster has completed the FIRST at Blue Ridge long-term recovery program. In July 2023, after a brief set of interviews, he was selected by Mills Manufacturing for an entry-level vocational assignment. As a maker of parachutes, their mission is to build products that bring soldiers to the ground safely 100% of the time. They accomplish this by prioritizing operational integrity and continuous improvement. And their process for evaluating job candidates is remarkably effective. So it is clear that they live their best values.

Josh moved to full-time employment with Mills Manufacturing in June 2024, and he is impressed by their sense of purpose. Executives communicate directly with all levels of associates, offering developmental support and celebrating achievements. And the company’s pathways to advancement are accessible, so Josh feels confident that he can build a strong career there.

“I am so grateful for all of his hard work. He always goes above and beyond.” — Yelena Dranchak, Department Supervisor

Learning-To-Lead Trainee Spotlight

Western North Carolina — Community Support

Givens Communities published an article about our shared commitment to helping people in recovery. — 09/2024 | Click Here

Kit Roberts with WCI conducted a Recovery Coaching Workshop for the Women’s Long-Term Program at FIRST at Blue Ridge. The content was based on Kit’s 2023 book, “A Renovated Life: Restoration Room By Room.” — 08/2024

The Asheville-Buncombe Economic Development Coalition hosted our company’s founder as a speaker for their Smart Series luncheon. The topic was strategies for attracting and retaining diverse talent in today’s market. — 04/2024

Learning-To-Lead LLC was featured in the Inclusive Hiring Partners Newsletter. Diana Blackett with the Asheville Chamber of Commerce hosted our company’s founder, and the topic of discussion was recovery-based vocational training. — 11/2023 | Click Here

Christian Messick, CPSS

FIRST Vocational Training Program Coordinator