WorkSkills

WORKSKILLS

Our WorkSkills program offers integrated workforce education and social service programming to help young adults and adults in greater Bridgeport and Fairfield County overcome barriers to gainful employment. Each client receives an customized plan that enables them to acquire the skills and knowledge they need to build meaningful careers with opportunities for both job and wage advancement.

Our programs include, but are not limited to, Adult Basic Education in math and reading, Digital Competency Skills training including nationally accredited certifications and or credentials in Customer Service, as well as QuickBooks and other computer applications.

To help ensure success, clients are also offered a range of supportive services including job search and placement assistance, social services that enable them to address personal and family challenges, basic needs assistance (food, housing, healthcare), as well as budget counseling and financial education to help maximize their incomes.

EMPLOYMENT PREPARATION AND OCCUPATIONAL SKILLS CERTIFICATION

We help individuals with either limited work experience or those with established skills who are under- or unemployed acquire or enhance skills and credentials needed to succeed in the workplace. We offer Occupational Skills Certifications include training in Customer Service, Hospitality and Technology Applications. Our employment preparation programs include job coaching and work readiness skills.

WORKPLACE EDUCATION

We offer on-site customized instruction, training and retraining services to meet the unique workforce needs of employers. In addition to providing customized training, we analyze written materials and procedures and collaborate with supervisors and employers to develop a comprehensive workplace program including job and task-specific training and tutorial materials.

COMPREHENSIVE SUPPORT SERVICES TO FACILITATE SUCCESS

In addition to WorkSkills educational training services, we offer comprehensive support services to help our clients succeed not only in the workforce, but in life. We provide access to Behavioral Health Services, Financial Education and Budget Counseling, Life skills and Employability Training, Job Search Coaching and Placement Assistance, as well as Pre- and Post-Employment support groups.

OCCUPATIONAL TRAINING SERVICES FOR INDIVIDUALS

Our WorkSkills program provides certified and other credentialed job training in customer service related fields, including retail and industry, office and administrative services, and computer support fields. On a program-by-program basis, eligible young adults and adults can access one or more of the following:

  • Adult Basic Educational Skills Development
    We offer group and individualized instruction and/or academic support in math, reading, writing, and English proficiency. Instruction is customized to help clients prepare for a variety of vocational and professional trainings for employment opportunities, as well as ongoing professional development in a range of industries.
  • Digital Literacy
    We provide group and individualized instruction and certification in key competencies, including computing basics, fundamental software applications, and electronic communication.
  • Occupational Skills Training
    We offer a range of training opportunities including:

    • Customer Service– National Professional Customer Service Credentials- applicable for any field, ranging from retail to service/hospitality industries to office administration to commerce.
    • QuickBooksProCertified User – Business software for careers in office support and administration, small business management functions.
    • Other specialized trainings – are offered on a seasonal, program-by-program basis.

Eligibility guidelines vary by program and instruction sponsor.  Services are free to qualified participants.

WORKFORCE TRAINING SERVICES FOR BUSINESSES, EMPLOYERS, AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS

WorkSkills provides on-site customized, employer-specific skills enhancement instruction in work readiness, customer service, digital literacy, numeracy, reading, and industry-specific English vocabulary. Businesses and employers additionally benefit from our ability to link employees with supportive services that improve work-readiness, and employee performance and retention.

Contact Information: Pam McRae, WorkSkills Coordinator • 203-368-5626 • pmcrae@LifeBridgeCT.org