Iowa State University Extension

Problem:
Today, many new hires lack the basics for even an entry level job: the rudiments of a work ethic, the understanding of the importance of reporting on time, focusing on work, following directions and personal accountability. Today’s economy and business climate is fast-paced, team-oriented and requires employees to possess soft skills – a cluster of personal qualities, traits, attitude and social graces that make someone a good employee and a compatible co-worker. With employee retention growing as a major business and financial issue for employers, it is even more critical that employees know how to handle their emotions, communicate well, use critical thinking and know how to function effectively in the workplace, including balancing work and family.

Response:
Employment Basics, (adapted from Workplace Essentials, a job readiness curriculum, designed through the partnership of the Iowa Department of Human Services, Iowa Workforce Development and Iowa State University Extension) is taught to prepare individuals for employment through increased understanding, learning and practice of workplace essential soft skills. Multiple facilitator trainings throughout the state have brought this much needed curriculum into the class room for High School students (including agriculture, business and alternative classrooms), Community College students, juvenile offenders, and vocational rehab centers.

Impact:
As part of a two-day training, a panel made up of human resource specialists and career services professionals provided valuable insight as to the needs of employers, changes in the hiring process, and successful strategies to become and remain employed. Participants were given time to review a chapter and prepare a lesson for the class to experience. Most would find it difficult to find time to prepare for class and appreciated this opportunity as part of the training stating, “I received many lesson ideas and experienced new and different ways to teach these concepts.” “I use the materials with youth offenders. The examples and ice breakers worked great! I had 8 signed up for the course, finishing with 5. I think the material worked well with the kids,” Larry Leliefeld, a trained facilitator. A total of 46 facilitators have been trained and will be using the full 30-hours of curriculum or part to supplement other curriculum currently used in their classroom. Forty-three individuals have participated in the full 30-hours class and an additional 320 individuals have received some of the lessons from curriculum.

Additional ISUE Extension Staff:
Erin Ludwig, Family Resource Management Program Specialist Mary Weinand, Family Resource Management Program Specialist Phyllis Zalenski, Family Resource Management Program Specialist

Contact:
Brenda Schmitt
Cerro Gordo County Extension
2023 S Federal Ave
Mason City, IA 50401
641-423-0844
schmitt@iastate.edu