Throughout the year, PYD’s Career Readiness program offers a Work Readiness Training series every other month. The series consists of one class a week for 4 weeks. During the month of July, the Career Readiness Team launched its first ever Work Readiness Training intensive series. The week-long series provided students with the opportunity to learn about career goal setting, resume writing, finding a job, and interviewing.
Six students participate in this series spearheaded by Pre-Employment Program Specialists, Mehdi Raoufi. Students were not only able to gain knowledge about work in a group setting, but also given the opportunity to work 1-on-1 with Mehdi. They created their own resumes, career goals, and more.
By the end of the week, students were prepared for and participated in mock interviews with several PYD Staff. Upon completion of the mock interviews, PYD Mentor Specialist and mock interviewer Jordy Lome said, “It was great meeting and learning more about the students in our Career Readiness program. The participants were engaged and had insightful comments about the process. Everyone showed enthusiasm and commitment which I know will be valuable to any employer.” The PYD interviewers were very impressed with the students’ preparedness and answers.
The impact of the intensive training was apparent. “Students reported feeling more confident in a mock interview setting, and their initiative and motivation was significantly higher,” Mehdi said. “It was exciting to watch the participants grow over the course of the 5-day intensive training.”
The intensive training allowed participants to develop the skills needed to compete in the job market in a timely manner. The uncertainly of the economy and higher unemployment rate has increased competition for jobs. “Having the tools to succeed in job searching, and the confidence, will give the students an advantage,” said Becca Cronin, Pre-Employment Program Administrator.
PYD hosted an additional intensive work readiness training in August for students from Boston Public Schools, which was also a success. More intensive training series will be planned throughout the school year.