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6 Ways to Improve Initial Screening for Workforce Participants

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Every one of your workforce clients is unique, so the way you help them has to be tailored to their goals, interests and abilities. Implementing a strong initial screening process will set the stage for their job training success. You need to understand where they’ll need extra support and the areas where they’re likely to excel. The more you know about your clients, the better you’ll be able to help them succeed. The following assessments will help you learn how to improve the screening process.

Comprehensive Assessment of Job Readiness

Start by evaluating your client’s current skills and work experience. Don’t overlook their soft skills. If you have a client with marketable technical skills who isn’t getting job offers, the issue might be their communication or teamwork skills.

Identify any knowledge gaps that need to be filled before your client can succeed in a job training program. They may need to complete a basic course in computer skills before they’re ready to start an IT certification.

Holistic Approach to Strengths and Barriers

Taking a holistic approach to understanding your clients will help you provide them with the appropriate support amidst challenges. Look at their educational background, personality, and psychological resilience.

If they have a fixed mindset rather than a growth mindset, spending a few minutes talking about how they can change will empower them to persist when they hit a rough patch in their education. By appreciating the whole person, you can create more effective and personalized strategies for overcoming obstacles.

Personal Life Assessment

Although many of your clients may be in challenging family situations, many may also have social supports they haven’t considered. Discussing their family and community situation can help you anticipate potential challenges and find programs that can help. If your client needs transportation to get to work, you may be able to provide public transportation vouchers through a community program.

Understand Values, Goals and Passions

Your clients are more likely to succeed and stay in jobs that they enjoy and that have personal meaning to them. Talk to your clients about their hobbies and interests as well as their long-term career goals. You can point them in the direction of opportunities that are suited to their skills fulfilling on a personal level.

Regular Monitoring and Plan Adjustments

Once you and your client have mapped out a path, regularly check in to see if you need to make any adjustments. Touching base with your clients frequently allows you to see any issues that may be developing before they become insurmountable.

Work With Experienced Partners

MedCerts is experienced in working with adult students who are going back to school. Our training programs include certifications in well-paying and highly sought-after fields, including IT and healthcare.

We offer student services designed to help all of our students succeed. From hands-on learning to an extensive network of employment partners, we invest in your clients so they can begin a promising career and a bright future.

When you make a strong connection with your clients and understand their strengths, weaknesses, and dreams, you can give them the support they need to build a lasting, rewarding career and a better life.

Ready to Solve Your Organization’s Needs?

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Written by

Jennifer Kolb

National Director of Workforce Development

As MedCerts National Director of Workforce Development, Jennifer Kolb is responsible for overseeing strategy and business development efforts at MedCerts with an emphasis on the k-career pipeline.

Prior to MedCerts, Jennifer served in several leadership positions at Tallo and Hawkes Learning where she built and lead sales and marketing, new product launches, technology development updates and an entire product relaunch to be ADA compliant.

Jennifer has spent a decade within the workforce industry working with educators, state leaders, business and industry officials, post-secondary institutions and grant organizations from across the country, all with the mission of bettering people’s lives. Coming from a long line of educators and with a business-centered mindset, Jen is passionate about student success and cultivating creative strategies for ensuring all talent has access to educational and career-related opportunities.

Jennifer earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Marketing and Psychology with a focus in business management from Clemson University.

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