Bourbon County CES

Title:

Developing Human Capitol

MAP:

Economic Development and Workforce Development

Agents Involved:

Denniston, Carter,Tackett

Situation:

The Kentucky Extension Community Assessment Statewide Report 2019 indicates that money management for families and youth and employee “soft/essential skills” training continue to be important issues statewide. Bourbon County responses to the Statewide Assessment identified improving jobs with good wages and benefits as the number one issue of importance.  Research conducted by Harvard University, the Carnegie Foundation, and Stanford Research Center indicates 85% of job success comes from having well developed soft and people skills, and only 15% of job success comes from technical skills and knowledge (hard skills).  Employers are often prepared to teach technical job skills; however, the intangible skills of being a team player, time management, and positive attitude are difficult to teach on-sight but critical to success.  

Long-Term Outcomes:

• More effective employees and community leaders.
• Improved financial capability for Kentuckians, results in better quality of life and stronger families

Intermediate Outcomes:

• Practice better employee “soft/essential skills” such as communication, networking, teamwork, time management, problem-solving, etc.
• Improve employability through practical living skills and continued education practices.

Initial Outcomes:

• Change knowledge, opinions, skills, and aspirations, to improve employability through work and practical living skills and continuing education practices.

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome:  Improved workforce communication

Indicator:  Number of individuals who reported the intent to utilize etiquette practices to improve verbal, written, and electronic communication practices (Communicating Effectively)

Indicator:  Number of individuals reporting increased levels of understanding in the area - demonstrate strong verbal and nonverbal communications (Conveying Your Message)

Method:   Pre/Post Evaluation

Timeline:  Following Positive Employability programming

Intermediate Outcome:  Improved workplace listening skills

Indicator:  Number of individuals reporting increased levels of understanding in the area - how to utilize listening cues (nonverbal, quaisverbal, and verbal) in conversation (Listening and Inquiry)

Method:  Pre/Post Evaluation

Timeline:  Following Positive Employability programming

Long-term Outcome:  Networking Skills

Indicator:  Number of individuals reporting increased levels of confidence in the area - participate in a productive business conversation (Networking for Success)

Method:  Pre/Post Evaluation

Timeline:  Following Positive Employability

Learning Opportunities:

Audience:  Working-age adults and youth preparing for the workforce

Project or Activity:  10 Soft Skills for Success

Content or Curriculum:  Positive Employability

Inputs:  FCS Agent, curriculum publications & resources, local employers, community and education leaders

Date:  Spring 2024

Project or Activity:

Content or Curriculum:  Positive Employability

Inputs:  FCS Agent, curriculum publications & resources, local employers, community and education leaders

Date: Spring 2024

Project or Activity:

Content or Curriculum:  Positive Employability

Inputs: FCS Agent, curriculum publications & resources, local employers, community and education leaders 

Date: Spring 2024