People of Augusta

The Sweetest Job, the Most Beautiful Views

When Kristen Wilson was ready to return to the workforce after five years focused on raising her children, it was the “sweetest job in the world” that called her name. Lured in part by best friends already working in the plant, she joined a fast-track apprenticeship program through Hershey Chocolate of Virginia.

Kristen is quick to offer up, “I love my job. I plan to retire here.” But she’s not the only one that feels the sweetness of her new position. She took a third shift job in part because she knew it would take no time away from her children, whom she still picks up after school. She shares, “They love my job. I come home smelling like chocolate, and they love to tell their friends that their mom works at Hershey. I make candy all night — isn’t that every little kid’s dream?”

Friends and Community on the Line 

When Kristen joined Hershey, she entered through their new Bootcamp training program, an innovative eight-week intensive that includes classroom orientations and on-machine interactive learning. Supported by a grant received through the Shenandoah Valley Workforce Development Board, a cornerstone of the program is being able to train new employees quickly, so that successful participants can join the Hershey workforce at a higher level and on preferred lines, landing not just in packaging roles but also in food manufacturing positions.

Kristen says she’s partial to the kitchen line, where patties arrive to luxurious baths of warm and melted chocolate. “Obviously you have to know how to run the machines,” she says. “Over time, you get a sense of how they work, and they really become yours.” Among numerous other tasty treats, Kristen helps make Almond Joy and Mounds candies. As they are only manufactured here in the Stuarts Draft plant, if you’ve ever tasted one, count yourself among those who know the sweetness of Augusta County.

Great benefits and flexibility to request weekends off is part of what Kristen loves about her job, but it’s the people who bring her the most joy. Her best friend works on the same line she does, and they often find themselves grabbing breakfast together after work. “It’s fun, and that has a lot to do with our co-workers,” says Kristen. “A lot of folks are really close.” Safety teams and a new Leadership program have helped her further integrate into Hershey, but it’s also local restaurants and the great diversity of breweries that cemented her tight-knit friend group during their off hours. Her favorite stop is Stable Craft Brewing, where beautiful elegance, rustic barn aesthetics, a country feel, and mountain views provide the perfect backdrop for fellowship among the candy makers.

Home Among the Mountains

Those mountain vistas are part of what makes Kristen feel so at home in Augusta County. Born and raised in Ohio, she first fell in love with Augusta County after visiting friends who lived here. Her hometown is smaller than Stuarts Draft, and “We only had one stoplight for the longest time.” The small town feel was inviting, and she now splits her time between living in Staunton, working in Augusta, and getting out and about in the City of Waynesboro.

“We had rolling farmland in Ohio, but not the views you get here,” says Kristen. She takes her kids to the Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive, and looks forward to sharing her love of the mountains on future hikes and adventures.

“The kids love it here. They were young enough to start school here, and we’ve all made such good friends here. I just can’t imagine not living here.”

Asked to sum up her experience in Augusta County, Kristen admits that her enthusiasm is unbridled. “People tell me I’m way too happy,” she says. “But I have good benefits, my company has good programs, it’s a great place to work. I love my job. I love the mountains. I like to bring the light to the story.”