Empower Students for Success with Job Skills Assessment Tests and Practice Interview Programs.

In response to a tight labor market, workforce development organizations are looking at strategies for engaging underemployed workers. These individuals are employed yet are working below their potential. Underemployed workers generally fall into one of three categories:

  • High-skilled employees with low-skilled jobs
  • Part-time workers who want full-time jobs
  • Skilled workers with low-wage jobs

Consider the example of a former bank branch manager who is now serving as an administrative clerk, or a recent college grad who is working in a low-wage job that doesn’t require a college degree.

“Unfortunately, a 2018 Burning Glass Technologies survey found that those with a bachelor’s degree whose first job does not actually require a bachelor’s degree are more likely to still be underemployed five years later,” explains certified career coach, Cheryl Palmer, in this recent article. 

One strategy for meeting the demand in emerging markets and improving the employment opportunities for underemployed men and women is to offer them specialized training programs for target industries.

Even with technological advances that support training for nontraditional students, a costly gap remains between the completion of training and job placement. Many of the courses offered are designed solely for skill mastery. The hunt for an actual position often falls back to the adult student, who may or may not have developed the necessary interpersonal skills and expertise to perform well in a job interview.

“Some very qualified people are in fact, not very good with people,” states HR expert Laura Handrick, SPHR. “The interview process always involves people even if the job doesn’t.” Someone might be highly qualified for an open position but wash out in the interview.

The good news for designers of workforce curriculum is that job simulators and practice interview platforms are available and can be easily integrated into existing education and training programs. By implementing these practical tools, a training organization can deliver robust training and job placement.

 Here are three reasons to consider making this enhancement to your workforce training curriculum:

  1. Job simulators give trainees confidence that the position is a match for their skills. Participants experience a “day-in-the-life” of an employee as they perform actual job tasks and interactions in a supportive environment, without the pressure of being observed by a new supervisor.
  2. Interview practice programs prepare students for that critical first encounter with future employers. A job interview is stressful under any circumstance. Confidence increases with practice and feedback.
  3. Job simulators enhance an employers’ confidence that new hires can hit the ground running. By immersing students in real workplace situations, simulations offer context for discussing their abilities in the interview. This is especially vital for individuals who are new to an industry.

Choosing to integrate job simulations and interview practice programs into a workforce training makes successful job placement much more likely. Trainers and mentors are validated; students are ready to get to work; and employers are confident in new hires from day one!

Ready to empower your students for career success?  Contact us today for your free consultation at 888.332.0648.