STEPS TO SUCCESS!

Are you unemployed or underemployed and lacking a high school diploma? Looking to change careers but don't know where to start? Has your lack of computer skills made it difficult for you to find work?

Hamden Adult Education has a FREE program that will provide you with the skills necessary to be productive in the 21st century workplace.

Key Components:

  • Explore careers and match your interests and skills and develop a career plan
  • Develop effective interviewing techniques and learn the soft skills that employers value
  • Learn about basic employable skills, including business ethics and teamwork
  • Work on completing your high school diploma and improve your reading, writing and math abilities

The Steps to Success workshops cover everything you need to know to develop your career path. Enroll in any or all of the workshops, depending on what your needs are.

Currently 100% online using Zoom. The workshops are designed to be completed independently through Google Classroom. Participants view pre-recorded lessons, then complete activities related to the lesson. The Career Navigator for Hamden Adult Education supports each participant through scheduled “Office Hours” using the Zoom platform. During these office hours participants and the Career Navigator meet “live” online to discuss lessons, review learning, and address any questions. For optimal success, participants should have: reliable internet, a laptop or desktop computer (tablets will work but the small screen makes completing the activities more challenging. Access to a printer is desirable.
It is suggested that participants plan to complete two lessons per week (approximately 3 hours) and schedule an additional hour for “office hours.” The length of time to complete an entire workshop will vary depending on student need but averages about 24 hours per workshop. Once a participant is registered for a workshop, they will be contacted by the Career Navigator for a short orientation session. Participants will receive the link to each Workshop by email.

WORKSHOP #1 - CAREER EXPLORATION - 12 LESSONS
Participants will complete several assessments designed to help individuals understand how a variety of personal attributes (i.e., interests, values, preferences, motivations, aptitudes and skills), impact potential success and satisfaction with different career options and work environments. Participants will use the assessment results to narrow down possible career options.

WORKSHOP #2 - DEVELOP YOUR CAREER PATH AND JOB SEARCH STRATEGIES - 11 LESSONS
Participants will use the results of career assessments and research to develop an individualized career path. They will gain an understanding of the Career Planning Model, job qualifications and barriers, career ladders and local labor market trends.Participants will gain skills in the following areas: job search strategies, internet search skills, telephone skills, and networking. Participants will use local resources such as the American Job Center in order to improve their skills in the job-hunting process.

WORKSHOP # 3 - CREATE A CAREER PORTFOLIO AND INTERVIEWING SKILLS - 11 LESSONS
Participants will create employment documents including resumes, cover letters, and thank-you letters. Participants will also gain an understanding of the importance of professional communication as well as improving 21st century communication skills. (email, memos, netiquette). This workshop will provide tips to improve interview performance, such as understanding body language, appropriate attire and punctuality. Participants will practice interview skills through role-playing.

The Steps to Success program is free to those students who don’t have a US high school diploma, all others will pay $25.

For more info or to register call 203.773.9211 ext. 1139