HAMPDEN COUNTY S WORKPLACE READINESS CERTIFICATE PROGRAM : A LOCAL APPROACH TO PRE-EMPLOYMENT SKILLS DEVELOPMENT

1. HAMPDEN COUNTY�S WORKPLACE READINESS CERTIFICATE PROGRAM : A LOCAL APPROACH TO PRE-EMPLOYMENT SKILLS DEVELOPMENT Connecting Activities Conference November 16, 2006 Presented by the Regional Employment Board of Hampden County, Inc.

2. WORKPLACE READINESS CERTIFICATE PROGRAM � Original curriculum developed by the Springfield STC Partnership � Curriculum was built around core job seeking skills (job applications, cover letters, interviewing, resumes, etc.) and four key competencies from the �old� MWBLP Communication and Literacy Completing Entire Activities Acting Professionally Interacting with Others � Curriculum to be revised to align it with the �Foundation Skills� in the �new� MWBLP and to add a module for doing on-line job applications

3. WORKPLACE READINESS CERTIFICATE PROGAM � Workplace Readiness Certificate Program is one component in a broader, multi-faceted pre-employment preparation system � Youth develop a Career Planning Portfolio in the process � Program �certifies� completion of pre-employment training and is not a demonstration of employment skills proficiency � Most youth engaged in work-based learning first complete the Workplace Readiness program � Employment Readiness Skills are demonstrated through working (e.g. internship, work experience) and documented through the MWBLP

4. WORKPLACE READINESS CERTIFICATE PROGRAM � Who is the intended audience? Both in-school and out-of-school Youth between the ages of 14 and 24 Youth served by WIA, School to Career/Connecting Activities, DYS, Career Centers, public schools, community and faith-based organizations, partners serving youth with disabilities � Where and when is the curriculum delivered? Average time to deliver curriculum is 8-10 hours over 4 or more sessions Youth that do not initially successfully complete the program may repeat modules as needed Curriculum is delivered at the program site by program staff that have completed a required, standardized training session

5. WORKPLACE READINESS CERTIFICATE PROGRAM � How are skills assessed? Competency-based curriculum Demonstration and Observation (e.g. mock interviews) Pre-Tests/Post-Tests Products (e.g. resume) � Workplace Readiness Program is a �work in progress� � always looking for alternative ways for youth to demonstrate knowledge and skills and ways to build/improve on the core curriculum

6. WORKPLACE READINESS CERTIFICATE PROGRAM � Curriculum modified with the help of the Partners for Youth with Disabilities � Applied the principles of Universal Design for Learning Materials and instructional methods are varied and diverse Curriculum and methods were modified and made more flexible to accommodate learner differences for all students Alternative ways to demonstrate knowledge and skills were created Essential skills/competencies are still presented

7. WORKPLACE READINESS CERTIFICATE PROGRAM � General questions may be directed to: Robert Clarke, School to Career Coordinator for the Springfield Public Schools (413) 787-7156 or clarker@sps.springfield.ma.us or Brad A. Sperry at the Regional Employment Board of Hampden County (413) 755-1360 or bsperry@rebhc.org � Copies of the curriculum are available by contacting Brad at the REB