In the 2018 University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension needs assessment study, all 120 counties identified “more qualified employees for existing jobs” as a critical community issue. In response to this critical need, Kristi Shive, Warren County Family and Consumer Sciences Agent, began delivering a Career Readiness Program to the high school students at Warren East High School. 

The program included information on the Top 10 Soft Skills for Success, Communication, How to Build a Cover Letter and Resume, and Interview Strategies. Students learned about a variety of essential non-technical skills they could practice to make them more qualified candidates for existing jobs. The Kentucky Chambers of Commerce has identified essential soft skills as the number one workforce priority. 

Participants’ evaluations showed that 100 % of participants increased their knowledge in enhancing their soft skills. 75 % increased their knowledge in how they can decrease stress before a job interview. 

Students were asked to write down three positive things about themselves that would make them a good employee. The goal was to instill confidence in students when going to a job interview and to be motivated to practice their soft skills. A few quotes from students, “Bilingual/help translate”, “Organized (good time management)”, “Caring/respectful”, Can multi-task”. 

Kristi plans to continue delivering Career Readiness programming to schools and organizations in Warren County.