For clients receiving workforce grants, including the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funding, the focus is often on immediate job training and placement – which is a worthwhile goal. However, mapping out a comprehensive career pathway can help your clients think about their long-term goals and stay motivated throughout the process.
Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Career Pathway
The following guide will help you work with your clients to create a personalized career action plan.
Identify Goals and Transferable Skills
Start by helping your client identify short- and long-term goals. Ask where they see themselves professionally in ten years, and work backward from there. For example, if they ultimately want to become an Information Systems Security Professional, beginning steps might include obtaining a CompTIA Network+ certification and securing an entry-level job in the IT field.
If they aren’t sure, discuss their current skills and interests. Encourage them to reflect on the kind of work they would find meaningful. You can also explore the type of environment they’d like to work in. Some positions, such as those in information technology (IT), are versatile and can be applied across nearly any industry. It can also be helpful for them to complete an online career assessment to better understand their strengths and goals.
Choose a Career Track With Upward Mobility and Certification Options
Help your clients think beyond the first job they’ll land after they finish their training course. Show them how they can use that role as a stepping stone to a brighter future and continued career advancement. Focus on occupations with built-in growth paths, such as those in healthcare. For example, your client can start as a Sterile Processing Technician and, after gaining work experience, pursue an advanced certification to become a Surgical Technologist.
Training programs that include industry-recognized certifications can open up a lot of opportunities for your clients. In a competitive job market, particularly for those with employment gaps, certifications can demonstrate competence and commitment. MedCerts Partner Solutions covers the cost of in-demand certification exam fees with all training programs and partners with employers who are actively seeking candidates with these credentials.
Connect Clients to Training Programs That Align With Local Job Demand
While education is valuable in its own right, the ultimate goal is for your clients to secure employment. If they complete a training program but can’t get hired, they’re no better off than before. In today’s uncertain employment environment, you need to set realistic expectations and guide your clients toward career paths with strong demand. Fields like information technology and healthcare continue to need qualified professionals even during difficult economic times. MedCerts offers job training programs that employers specifically request and consistently rely on to fill workforce gaps.
Prepare Your Clients for More than Just a Job
Helping your clients create a meaningful, actionable career pathway encourages them to think long-term about the future they want. Instead of simply focusing on completing a single training program, they’ll begin to view it as a stepping stone toward lifelong success.
