Workready™ profits local job-seekers and businesses

Wiscasset Adult & Community Education is pleased to announce a training program that will benefit both local job-seekers and businesses. WorkReady™ is a free 60-hour training program created with the needs of employers in mind. The goal is to provide participants who complete the program with the skills employers are looking for in employees. The training session will be held in January at the Wiscasset High School.

While the name "WorkReady" may imply that the program is designed for individuals with little to no work experience, it is actually highly applicable to a wide variety of individuals with varying degrees of training, education, and occupational skills. “It’s really exciting to see the diversity in our classes, especially in the career and technology programs,” says Anne Fensie, adult education Director. “Out-of-school youth, stay-at-home moms, and seasoned workers can be found sitting side-by-side, sharing their perspectives on employability and work experiences. We can all learn a lot from each other.”

For employers, the WorkReady™ Credential, issued by the Maine Department of Education, can be a reassurance that the holder possesses the skills and disposition necessary to be competitive in today’s job market. Trainees learn to improve attitudes, attire, ambition, teamwork, and problem-solving skills, as well as the basics of getting a job, such as where to find openings, how to write stellar cover letters, impressive resumes, and making the most of the job interview. People who successfully complete the program will be able to:

1. Understand how to be successful employees based on individual strengths and personal awareness.
2. Develop a plan for employment based on career interests.
3. Know how to seek and apply for a job.
4. Understand how to communicate effectively in the workplace.
5. Work effectively with co-workers and as part of a team.
6. Demonstrate basic work knowledge.
7. Demonstrate an awareness of work-related safety and its importance.

Local businesses can support the WorkReady™ Credential Program in the Midcoast by guaranteeing interviews to graduates of the program; referring job applicants who lack soft skills; promoting the program to other colleagues, business partners and industry associates; and by providing input for curriculum customization to reflect local business needs. For the January sessions, Wiscasset Adult & Community Education is specifically looking for volunteers from the business community to visit the program and share their experience as an employer; conduct mock interviews; attend the WorkReady™ graduation and help review graduate’s portfolios; lend authentic workplace materials and documents (employee handbook, safety posters, timecards, applications, etc.); and identify potential sources of funding for additional training programs.

For more information about WorkReady™ or any of the other programs offered by Wiscasset Adult & Community Education, visit www.wiscasset.maineadulted.org or call 882-9710.

Dates: January 19 – 29, 2010
Times: 8:30am – 4:30pm
Location: Wiscasset High School
Registration: ongoing
Fee: FREE

Posted by Anne Fensie  on December 16th 2009 | Read more in: Events and News