Innovation:
Incorporate Soft Skills Training Into Design of the Program
Even if the learners in the training or skill building program know the job-related skills inside and out, they will not last long in any job if they cannot get to work on time, work well with others, and show some initiative on the job. “Soft skills” can be as important, if not more important, than job related skills. There are many definitions of what soft skills are. Various lists include self-discipline, work ethic, the ability to work as a team, the ability to plan ahead, courtesy, reliability, and so on. Four overarching categories of soft skills are:
- Problem solving and other cognitive skills
- Oral communication skills
- Personal qualities and work ethic
- Interpersonal and teamwork skills (Conrad & Leigh, 1999)
A number of training programs have been successful at addressing soft skill training needs as part of their approach to skill development and training for adults. Some examples for how to implement soft skills training include:
- Employ teachers and peer counselors whose backgrounds are similar to those of the trainees
- Make use of job coaches or mentors – people who offer support and feedback to newly hired workers and give them advice on work related problems and other issues.
- Integrate soft skills training into every element of the curriculum.
- Create work or work-like tasks and establish teams to complete them.
- Put trainees in the employer’s role from time to time, so that by managing they can learn to be managed.
- Establish the discipline of the workplace in all aspects of the program.
- Recreate the physical environment of work to the fullest extent possible.
- Give participants lots of opportunities to get to know successful people. (Conrad & Leigh, 1999; Houghton & Procsio, 2001)
The description of the WIRE-Net Hire Locally Program provides one example of an organization that assesses for soft skills prior to job placement. Training, Inc. provides an example of an organization that integrates soft skills training into its job training curriculum. STRIVE provides an example of a more targeted approach to soft skills training.
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