Jay Nolan Community Services Offering Soft Skills Training

Jay Nolan Community Services Inc. is launching the Employment Soft Skills Training Program, a 12-week training course for young adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.

The Employment Soft Skills Training Program is designed to address challenges particularly for young adults with high support needs, deaf or hard of hearing and those coming from under-served

communities. This training curriculum consists of softskills training that is critical to success in the workplace, the organization said in a prepared statement.

Topics include job matching, networking skills, interview essentials, resume writing, dressing for success, benefits planning and more. The program uses real-time translation tools for students with multi-lingual needs and the inclusion of Ai/virtual reality tools aimed to simulate and practice the interview pro

cess.

Each cohort of 10 students will include in-classroom training instruction four days per week (four hours per day) over the course of three months, with office hours offering additional support on Fridays. The pilot cohort is scheduled from July 17 to Oct. 13, and the second cohort is set to begin in January 2024.

The end result for participants is career readiness and the tools needed for successful employment in a job of their choice, the release said.

This includes a certificate of completion, a customized cover letter and resume, and an individualized service plan for benefits planning. Participants will also receive postprogram support through a referral to the Department of Rehabilitation for job placement, a $100 stipend for purchasing professional attire, and ongoing interview training.